Looking for a new job? There’s one thing could severely hurt your chances:
Your social networking profile.
Almost half (45%) of hiring managers check candidates’ online profiles before making a decision, according to a CareerBuilder survey.
And more often than not, they aren’t pleased with what they find — 35% of managers say they’ve immediately screened out a candidate based on a profile, compared to just 18% who’ve been encourage to hire folks based on their online presence.
How can IT pros turn social networking sites into a help rather than a hindrance? Aside from the obvious (i.e., don’t post inappropriate photos or comments), follow these tips:
- Use search-friendly keywords to describe your work experience. That’s especially important on professional-oriented sites like LinkedIn, which companies often search through to find candidates.
- Join online groups related to your areas of expertise.
- Brag about awards and accolades you’ve received.
- Be selective about who you accept as friends. Comments other people leave on your profile can be nearly as damaging as what you write yourself.
- Remember proper grammar and spelling. Hiring managers check online profiles for insights into candidates’ communication skills.