ACTES Employability’s Post

Have you ever wondered if potential employers look at your social media platforms before they hire you? I can tell you with confidence that in todays world the answer is, YES! So, why does your presence matter on social media? The answer is simple - while your resume gives potential employers a good understanding of your qualifications, your social media presence gives them a good idea of who you are as a person and if you might fit into their company culture. According to Clemson University Statistics, Employers look at and consider the following: o 93% indicate that they screen candidates’ social media sites during the hiring process o 92% check LinkedIn, 66% check Facebook, and 52% check Twitter o 1 in 3 employers who research candidates on social media sites have found content that made them more likely to hire a candidate. o About 33% of employers who screen candidates via social networks found information that caused them to hire a candidate, including: o Candidate’s background information supported job qualifications – 44% o Candidate’s site conveyed a professional image – 44% o Candidate’s personality came across as a good fit with company culture – 43% o Candidate was well-rounded and showed a wide range of interests – 40% o Candidate had great communication skills – 36% And, if you're not sure what could be considered a red flag to a potential employer, remember the basics: o Don't post anything illegal, including illegal substances o Don't engage in heated conversations about sensitive topics o Don't show signs of being an online bully o Don't post false career information in your 'about me' section o Avoid using what could be considered offensive language or images Now, I can't personally stress this enough - don't feel that you have to sensor yourself or who you are, simply just be aware of how your social media is shaping your image to potential employers. My best advice is to think about what you want out of your career and shape your social media to best represent yourself in that field!

Your personal social media profiles can potentially seriously affect your professional life. Social media screenings are more popular than ever, so job seekers should be aware that what they're posting online can affect their hiring prospects. https://ow.ly/sAXe50SfzQq #collierlegal #socialmedia #jobs #hiring #findalegaljob

Navigating Your Social Media Presence in the Job Market In today’s digital age, our social media profiles are more than just a way to connect with friends—they're a reflection of our personal and professional identities. As I came across a recent article discussing common social media mistakes that can disqualify candidates from job opportunities, it highlighted several critical points every professional should consider. Employers increasingly scrutinize social media profiles during the hiring process. It's surprising to learn that a significant number of candidates are disqualified based on their online activities. Common pitfalls include sharing offensive content, publicly complaining about current jobs, and displaying unprofessional behavior. These actions can severely damage your chances of securing a job. It's essential to curate a positive online presence. Think twice before posting anything that could be perceived negatively. Employers seek candidates who represent their company well, both online and offline. Therefore, maintaining a respectful and professional social media presence is not just beneficial but necessary in today’s competitive job market. For more detailed insights, you can read the full article here https://lnkd.in/dphU_VaR

Your personal social media profiles can potentially seriously affect your professional life. Social media screenings are more popular than ever, so job seekers should be aware that what they're posting online can affect their hiring prospects. https://ow.ly/sAXe50SfzQq #collierlegal #socialmedia #jobs #hiring #findalegaljob

Many job seekers underestimate the power of social media, so it is often underutilized in a search strategy. Learn to use it well, and it could become your secret weapon. https://lnkd.in/gizFnEhY #jobsearch #executivesearch #careerimpressions

Your social media profiles play a crucial role in your job search. Hiring managers often turn to social media to gain insights beyond your resume. In a study by Express Employment Professionals, the vast majority of employers expressed their willingness to terminate current employees for sharing specific content on social media. Perhaps even more shocking is that approximately 1 in 5 employers in The Harris Poll's survey indicated they wouldn't invite someone for an interview if they couldn't locate them online, which might give the impression of hiding something. The survey also shed light and claimed that: 70% of employers feel all companies should screen candidates' social media. 78% believe employees should keep work-appropriate profiles. 88% would terminate staff for inappropriate personal posts. A staggering 55% of employers using social media screenings have rejected candidates due to content found. So, what can you do to ensure your social media presence is working for you, not against you? 🍊Invest time in creating a compelling LinkedIn profile and make it public (you should be found online, and it should be your LinkedIn profile) 🍊Either scrub your social media profiles for depictions of partying, health issues (struggles with mental health, addiction, so on…), complaints about work, or controversial/political/religious opinions. 🍊 Or make your profiles challenging to find and access, such as using a different last name (many people opt for their middle name) It’s not fair, but it’s happening. Go into the job search with eyes wide open, and make sure your social media accounts are only helping, not hurting. PS: I've put together a class on how I created a personal brand online so you can stand out as a candidate. You'll find the link in the comments. #Advertisingandmarketing #personalbranding #jobsearch

Regarding your social media rants about politics and social issues... If you're in the market for a new job and you are applying and interviewing, I think it's crucial to maintain a professional demeanor, not just in person, but also online. Given the highly charged political climate, especially with the presidential race heating up, I strongly recommend steering clear of political and hot-button social issues on social media. This advice isn't about stifling free speech—I am a staunch supporter of the First Amendment. However, from a practical standpoint, it's important to recognize that employers and recruiters frequently review candidates' social media profiles. Your online presence can significantly influence hiring decisions, rightly or wrongly. I've noticed a disturbing trend of increasingly vile and inappropriate comments on social media platforms from both ends of the political spectrum. Engaging in or being associated with such discourse can be detrimental to your professional image. As professionals striving to build broad and diverse networks, it's in our best interest to foster respectful and inclusive interactions. Instead, focus your online presence on positive and professional content that showcases your expertise, interests, and accomplishments. This approach not only helps in creating a favorable impression but also opens doors to more opportunities and connections. If you're ever wondering what's appropriate to post, feel free to reach out to me. I'll give you my opinion on it. After you're locked into a job and not interviewing and applying, feel free to go back on social media and go nuts if you want to. 🤣 But seriously, some of you out there need to calm down. You get so wrapped up in a social topic or a presidential candidate that the hate spewing out of you is ridiculous.

Navigating the post-pandemic job market is really tough. Trying to make sense of the avalanche of seemingly contradictory advice on social media doesn’t make it any easier. Although most users of LinkedIn and TikTok likely believe they’re doing a public service by re-sharing hacks and tips, they’re actually helping to perpetuate myths that are not helpful to your job search. Here are five of the most persistent job search myths, with explanations of what’s actually happening.

  Not using social media – still sends a message! 😵 It’s free marketing, whether we like it or not… Some hiring managers even report that a lack of social media presence could be the reason they DON’T hire/respond to resumes. Despite popular belief for candidates.. If you aren’t posting – you should be! 👀 While the age old remarks for emerging talent would be to keep risky posts private, don’t shamelessly self promote.. in the current climate it’s more important to encourage candidates AND companies to use social media to their benefit. Be thoughtful. Posting nothing, still says something. A study of over 1,000 employers found: -         70% of employers suggested they use social media to qualify applicants during the hiring process -         47% say that if they can’t find you online, you’re less likely to be in the hot seat for an interview -         54% of companies admitted to eliminating a candidate based on their social media presence Do you post enough? #recruitment #hiring #socialmedia

Attention job seekers! A friendly reminder that hiring companies do their research, and yes, that includes searching your social media profiles. It may seem unprofessional, but it's a common practice. Even changing your social media name won't help if you're using the same email or phone number provided to the hiring company. So, be mindful of what you post online and present yourself in a professional manner. #jobsearch #careertips #socialmediaetiquette