Sometimes setting up a professional social media profile is more than making sure you’re wearing appropriate wear in your headshot; it also involves knowing what not to display on the online, unofficial equivalent of your CV.
Because, you know, hiring managers like to take a peek at your profile – if only to get a sense of your personality, and dare I say it, your professionalism (70% of hiring managers use social media to research candidates!). So, if I were you, I’d give them what they ask for… otherwise it’ll be straight to the “pass” pile. But fear not; I’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know – and avoid, I might add – when it comes to setting up your online presence across the gamut of social media platforms.
What might they be looking for?
Forgive me, I feel like I almost phoned it in when I explained why hiring managers tend to stalk your social media profiles (“professionalism” just doesn’t cut it, doesn’t it?). While most hiring managers say they’re looking for information that supports your resume (61%), 37% are also watching out for elements of social proof (or the lack thereof). Your friends’ opinions matter, after all. Here’s the kicker, though: 24% admit they’re looking for reasons to not hire you – with 44% saying they’ve found them!
That said, I think it’ll be of massive benefit to you if you keep this in mind as you read the rest of this blog post, and indeed, when making all the necessary changes to your online profiles. Here are the top 5 red flags to give a wide berth!
Am I implying that your photo from your undergrad years couldn’t pass as your Bayt.com profile picture? Not necessarily. But what I am implying is that your profile picture should be sending the right message – one that suggests professionalism and a nice personality (wow, did I just repeat myself?).
So, if your profile picture happens to bring either of those things into question, you’re going to do a stellar job at repelling many eager, employee-searching hiring managers. Look, I’m all for having a life outside of work – in fact, I believe it’s absolutely necessary – but if a hiring manager sees that your online public image is unprofessional, they’re by default going to start wondering the same about your at-work conduct.
Within legal boundaries, you’re free to consume whatever you want. I’m not going to tell you what you can or can’t put into your body. That said, prospective employers won’t be as understanding when they find out that you’re involved in substance use, and through your social media profile, no less. So, yes, the content of your personal life is entirely within your own discretion, but try not to make a human interest story out of it.
Again, you’re entitled to your own opinions – as well as expressing them online or in-person (within the appropriate context). However, if an employer decides to not hire you because of your own prejudices, they’re (most of the time) completely in the right to do so. Also, any communication that’s suggestive of prejudices, discriminatory standpoints, or contains hateful speech will likely significantly diminish your chances of getting hired. Note that you’re still free to express your opinion; just do so whilst being aware of potential repercussions.
If potential hiring managers find that you’re disparaging someone you were professionally involved with, that’s a huge red flag for them. Why? Because if you did it to your past employer or coworkers, there's nothing to stop them from assuming you’ll do it with your future employers and coworkers (and they'd probably be right). Employers want people who can be nice – especially to those whom they tend to disagree with.
Whatever you do… whatever crazy photo you choose to keep on your profile (say, to send a message), never lie about yourself. I mean never. Stay perfectly clear of anything that totters on the edge of deceit. In theory, you could actually lie on your CV and social media with no one ever finding out; but people talk, and word travels fast.
If you lie, a prospective hiring manager might sense that something's off -- although that may be in the off chance. Even so, if they so much as reach out to any of your contacts (outside your references) to ask about your background, they'll find out right then and there that you weren't telling the truth. Your integrity is gone, and so are your chances of getting an interview. Not a good situation to be in, right?
Don't lie.
Knock, knock… housekeeping!
So, what are you waiting for? You can never tell how many hiring managers just saw your red flag-riddled profiles in the time you spent reading this blog post. And the counter is climbing by the second – even as the horror dawns on you right this instant. C'mon, no one's going to be doing the cleaning up for you! Go!
P.S. Want more tips on keeping your professionalism (third time!) up to par? Head over here for more career-advancing knowledge.
