Social Networking Used For Employment
What Get’s Noticed And What Stands Out
Social Networking can be a great tool in your job searching process or it can have the opposite effect. That is why it is so important that you manage your online image in a way that will present you as a person an employer wants to hire and that you will represent the organization in a positive light.
In this article, Part 2 of Employment And Social Networking, we will explore the difference between the information found on social networking that can either get a candidate hired or lost in a sea of employment shipwrecks. We will also discuss to Do's and Don'ts of social networking.
According to CareerBuilder, “Forty-nine percent of hiring managers who screen candidates via social networks said they’ve found information that caused them not to hire a candidate.
Top Content That Turned Off Employers
1.) Provocative or inappropriate photographs, videos or information – 46 percent
2.) Information about candidate drinking or using drugs – 43 percent
3.) Discriminatory comments related to race, religion, gender, etc. – 33 percent
4.) Candidate bad-mouthed previous company or fellow employee – 31 percent
Individuals are more likely to reveal their true opinions and/or behavior through social networks (tweets, blogs, pictures, video’s, posts or status updates) than during the application and interviewing process. Hiring managers need to understand that applicants are people, and people make mistakes. However, if the mistake continues to happen on these networks repeatedly, this by definition is a pattern and can be considered a red flag. Do we hire or not hire, that is the question?
What do recruiters and organizations want to see in on a social network or internet search:
Top Content That Impress Employers
1.) Candidate's background information supported job qualifications – 44 percent
2.) Candidate's site conveyed a professional image – 44 percent
3.) Candidate's personality came across as a good fit with company culture – 43 percent
4.) Candidate was well-rounded, showed a wide range of interests – 40 percent
5.) Candidate had great communication skills – 36 percent
Google searches are instantaneous. This includes; pictures, video’s, content and other information about a subject. Once it’s on the web, it’s out there forever. We as applicants need to recognize this and ensure that positive information filters to the top of a Google search or social networking search. Know your audience and know what information is filtering to the top of the search. Have you ever searched your name on social networks to see what information filters to the top? Is there more than one person with your name on Facebook? Remember, drive the content, don’t let the content drive you.
Applicant's Social Networking Do's And Don'ts
If you properly utilize social networking and harness the incredible advantage you can have as applicants, you can set yourself apart from the other candidates. The following do’s and don’ts are tips that relate to social networking during the job search and recruiting process:
The Do’s:
1.) Do understand your privacy settings and know what information is accessible to the public.
2.) Do be professional in your updates. Do not complain about your current organization, boss or professor. Don’t swear and be aware of participating in any controversial topics or debates. Social networks are known to be controversial.
3.) Do join, follow, or like organizations that interest you. Interact with their social networks.
4.) Do create a comprehensive and complete LinkedIn profile. This is the only social networking site that many hiring managers review for applicants and it will impact decisions that they make during the hiring process.
5.) Do network and build relationships on LinkedIn.
6.) Do follow thought leaders and subject matter experts in your field on social networking sites.
7.) Do retweet industry specific information, to establish yourself as a subject matter expert.
8.) Do remove any tagged information that you find inappropriate. When using your Facebook for example, you don't want it in your history or on your page.
9.) Do add a disclaimer in your Twitter bio that the views in your profile are your own, not your current employer’s.
10.) Do ensure your personal WordPress or blog site is easy to use, organized and privacy settings are reviewed.
11.) Do provide links in your resume for the organization. Again, if you’re proud of what you’ve accomplished, communicate it, show it off.
The Don’ts
1.) Don’t have questionable pictures and posts on any social networking site. Remove pictures that could raise concern or questions.
2.) Don’t make your LinkedIn picture an October Fest picture or a selfie in your vehicle. Professional pictures are the only option for LinkedIn and Twitter, if you are using it as an expert in your field. Professional pictures are a minimal cost but necessary for a LinkedIn profile.
3.) Don’t tweet, blog or post first and think later. Remember, less said (or written), is better defended. This is sound advice. We all make mistakes in the heat of the moment. Don’t make a mistake on a social networking site that can impact you for years to come, or let it become a pattern of behavior.
4.) Don’t create separate accounts for personal and professional use. Remember Google; a quick search will find any and all accounts.
5.) Don’t let your WordPress or blog site be unorganized or cluttered. Neatness always count.
6.) Don’t include links or information in a cover letter related to your social networks, especially if they are career relevant.
Again, drive the content, do not let the content drive you.
I'm telling you the truth...(MUST READ, WITHOUT FAIL)
If you keep doing what you've always been doing, you'll keep having what you've always had. That's the bottom-line!
Always pay attention to the unseen things in life, they can affect you the most.
RULE #1. BE PREPARED: When you even (think) about changing, things will work against you faster than you can say...!Shazaam!! or What the heck???
RULE #2. BE PATIENT: Family and friends will try to convince you otherwise, because what you see won't make sense to them.
RULE #3. BE POLITE: People in your closed circuit of conversations will speak mostly about things promoting the same old unproductive habits.
RULE #4. BE PROTECTIVE: Your ears will be inclined towards listening to what you've always heard, instead of listening for new inspiring sensations.
RULE #5. BE POSITIVE: The first thing in the morning you'll either read a distasteful text message, or hearsay and she said on the next phone incoming phone call.
When you even (think) about changing, things will work so fast against you, that breaking old habits will seem unbearable!
Make Your Change!
I Believe You Can...!
I've been browsing through a lot of Jobcase profiles this morning - particularly ones of folks in the community that are finding difficulty in achieving the next job they desire. There's a trend sticking out to me that is a large mistake most people make. An easy one to correct. And a very impactful one after you do correct it.
Ready for the insight - here it is...effort doesn't get rewarded - RESULTS DO. Of course I know its hard to get results without effort. But, no-one drafts football players because they worked hard at the gym - they get hired for yardage gained in college, sacks made, etc. The Rock doesn't get crazy paydays just because he is talented, its because he generated box office hits - so the expectation is that he can do that again.
When you provide details about a position in a profile or resume, start with the results and follow with the effort (if you really need to state effort). "Consistently garner tips over 20% and generated 100 positive yelp reviews for my restaurant as a lead Waiter" stands out on a waiter resume way more than a list of duties and deeds performed. I, as a restaurant manager & potential employer, see that customers like you and see how that translates to my business success. Or, "Hired 200 employees who exceeded projected retention rates" - is much better than "screened applicant resumes and interviewed as part of talent function in XX company". I, as potential employer hiring you for my HR group, see that you got your job done right - good hires! And now I want to talk to you about how you can do that for me.
You get it. If you are hiring someone for a role you want someone who will drive results for you. Working hard, having effort, saying how you did something fills space but isn't really what its about is it. Its about results. Like it or not, thats what stands out. So - when you as a candidate want to represent your past experience - focus on what resulted from your efforts. And have fun thinking about it too. I bet when you step back you'll realize you have been even more effective in your past than what you thought. And maybe you might think of times you weren't. And when you begin to be more aware of mapping effort to results - then you are on your way to really improving the trajectory of your worklife.
Hope this helps. If it resonates with you - go to your profile now by clicking on your pic in upper right corner here, update descriptions to start sentences with what you achieved and then perhaps how you did it. Then hit the generate resume button on your profile. I think you'll like what you see.....
( - I'll post rule #1 tmw - we talk about it often on Jobcase, but will rewrite about it soon...)
I'm telling you the truth... (Hab. 2:2)
Industry's Best Kept Secrets!
If you want to succeed in in this industry there are many things you need, however three things are essential:
No. #1. You need to have a VISION. No. #2. You need a PLAN. No. #3. You need to NETWORK. No. # 4.????????????????????
If you get these three right, everything else falls-in-place!
I Believe You Can...!
I'm telling you the truth, because I want you to win!
Each day people lose sight in life for 1,001 reasons, and the list goes on...
THOUGHT: You don't want to be in the loser's bracket playing games of lost and found. Sometimes, you're never found.
TIMING: To make it in life or establish yourself rightfully, here are f5 - UNDENIABLE TIPS to consider:
#1. Have a clear idea of what you want to do in life. (Keep it simple please.) #2. Write it down in simple terms (Do this for you and the kids sake.) #3. Set aside time for yourself each day (NTE 30 minutes) and reflect on you minor goals. #4. Keep your minor goals visible to see them each day. (The bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.) #5. Give thanks for all things, because blessings come from above.
Preparation is the key.
I Believe You Can...!
NO OBSTACLES, SHALL PREVENT ME FROM READING THIS!
THOUGHT: Unknowingly, a mirror can reflect three possible things:
- The person you were. (The Past)
- The person you are. (The Present)
- The person you're going to BE.(The Future)
You MUST let go of some things from the past, so you can reach towards the things that can attract you a brighter future!
No. #1. You have to STOP putting yourself down internally and in private when no one else is around. Because all you're doing is consistently stripping yourself of the gift called self-esteem.
No. #2. You have the mark of GREATNESS within you! Sometimes you have to cry some tears to clear your eyes, so you can the gift hidden in you.
No. #3. If you give yourself a second chance, you'll realize how important it is to STOP being your own enemy. Once you realize this, you'll see the enemies outside can do you NO HARM!
No. #4. Read this message at least 1 X each day. . Walk in the light, your life is about to change!
I Believe You Can...!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO FAIL!
Thousands of people fail each year as result of "lack of information" or other miscellaneous activities which distorts your field of thoughts.
HOW CAN I AVOID SOME PITALLS IN LIFE?
CONSIDER THESE 5 - UNDENIABLE POWER STEPS::
PRINCIPLE #1. If you don't have a plan, you will end up working for someone who does have a plan, and you'll continue to build their dream.
PRINCIPLE #2. If you wait for people to give you their approval, you may be waiting a very long time.
PRINCIPLE: #3. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to start from where you are, to get to where you want to go in life.
PRINCIPLE #4. If you do the same old things today, you'll have the same old things like yesterday.
PRINCIPLE #5. If you write down your goal, this will empower you to bold, then walk in the direction that highlights your path.
You can make it, if you try!
I Believe You Can...!
READ THIS ARTICLE AND LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!
Do you want to win at your interview?
Then, here are 5 - POWERFU UNDENIABLE PRINCIPLES YOU CAN MODEL:
No. #1. You MUST have the winner's ATTITIDE. No. #2. You MUST have unwavering DISCIPLINE. No. #3. You MUST have undeniable ENTHUSIAM. No. #4. You MUST have streamline FOCUS. No. #5. You MUST have a burning GRIND.
You have to stand STILL and TALL in your CONVICTIONS by “putting all things in perspective.” That's how you win at your game. That's how you win at your interview!
I Believe You Can...!
*Katie Ledecky, 5 - Times Olympic Gold Medalist Champion (Swimming)
READ THIS ARTICLE AND LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!
Do you want to win at your interview?
Then, here are 5 - POWERFU UNDENIABLE PRINCIPLES YOU CAN MODEL:
No. #1. You have to KNOW you're a champion before you can BECOME a champion. No. #2. You have to KNOW you are competitive, before you can BECOME competitor. No. #3. You have to SHOW you have certain, before you can BECOME assertive. No. #4. You have to KNOW you are decisive, before you can BECOME decided. No. #5. You have to KNOW you're NOT a game player, before you can BECOME a Game Changer!
You have to stand STILL and TALL in your CONVICTIONS by "putting all things in perspective." That's how you win at your game. That's how you win at your interview!
I Believe You Can...!
*Serena Williams, US Tennis Champion/Ranking No. 1, July 8, 2002.
PLEASE READ THIS! (Something you should know.)
Hmm #1. The speed of light is like a vacuum which is about 186,282 miles per second (299,792 kilometers per second), and in theory nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.
Hmm #2. The only thing faster than the speed of light is the speed of your thoughts.
PRINCIPLE: Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you. (Prov. 2:11)
Do you want results in your life. "So as a man thinketh, so he/she becomes." Think like the Eagle and Soar!
I Believe You Can...!