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VP Int Owb PDF L1u01 0001

The document discusses how employers are increasingly using social media to screen job candidates and offers tips for job seekers on maintaining a positive online presence. It notes that over 30% of employers use social media for candidate research and 34% have rejected candidates based on online information. It provides advice such as keeping profiles up to date, avoiding negative comments, being selective about groups joined, and reviewing privacy and content regularly.

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46 views1 page

VP Int Owb PDF L1u01 0001

The document discusses how employers are increasingly using social media to screen job candidates and offers tips for job seekers on maintaining a positive online presence. It notes that over 30% of employers use social media for candidate research and 34% have rejected candidates based on online information. It provides advice such as keeping profiles up to date, avoiding negative comments, being selective about groups joined, and reviewing privacy and content regularly.

Uploaded by

Kevin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Getting the most from online profiles

1
Over 30 percent of employers say they currently use, or plan
to use, social networking sites to obtain information about job
candidates. However, only 16 percent of workers write their online
profiles with potential employers in mind.

2 What may be more worrying for today’s job seekers is that 34
percent of managers said they have rejected a candidate because
of the information they obtained online. Finding inappropriate
photographs is one of the main reasons for rejection.

3 This trend of using social networking sites as an employment
tool is growing. “We can learn a lot about a candidate from his
or her online profile,” says Mindy Watson, director of human
resources at an advertising agency. “We want to see if the person
will fit in well at our company, so the information in an online profile is valuable to us.”

4 Hiring managers also tend to use social networking sites when they are looking for new
hires. So if you want to use your profile to find a new job either now or in the future, here are
some do’s and don’ts.

5 ➤ Keep your profile up to date, even if you are not looking for a job. Make sure you list your
latest achievements. Hiring managers are looking for the best people for their companies,
so make sure that you present yourself in a positive way. You never know – someone may
invite you to come in for an interview even before you start looking for a new job.

6 ➤ It is always best to avoid making any negative comments about your current or previous
boss, company, or co-workers. If employers think that you will damage their image after
you leave the company, they won’t want to hire you.

7 ➤ If you are always telling off-color jokes or joining weird or silly groups, be careful. One of
the fun things about networking sites is that you can connect with other people who share
your sense of humor. However, these groups don’t always leave a potential employer with a
good impression. Instead, be selective and join groups that demonstrate your professional
goals or social involvement. This shows you are thoughtful and creates a positive online
image.

8 ➤ Be careful also if you are trying to hide your job search from your current boss. One of
your co-workers might see your profile and mention it. You could find that your boss
withholds that promotion or raise you were expecting. However, if your boss does find
out and accuses you of looking for a new job, don’t deny it. It is better to tell the truth
than risk a negative reference.

9 ➤ Remember that other people will see the contacts you have made if you don’t keep your
friends list private. So in addition to keeping your friends’ inappropriate pictures and
comments off your profile, be cautious about who your online friends are.

10 ➤ Review the pictures you have uploaded to your profile, the personal information you have
given, and any blogs or sites you have linked to. Delete anything you might regret later.
11 Always bear in mind that employers can use your social networking profile to evaluate you,
so show self-confidence (without being arrogant) and promote yourself well. Think of it as a face-
to-face meeting with an employer, and present the image of yourself that you want to promote.
Viewpoint 1 © Cambridge University Press 2012

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