Aug 20, 2009 - Comments: 0

3 Ways to Prevent Social Media Self-Sabotage on your Job Search

Posted by Lisa King under Social Media

While it’s probably not a surprise that 45% of employers reported using social networking sites to research job candidates (according to a recent CareerBuilder survey), it is surprising that 35%
of those employers reported finding information that prevented them from hiring candidates.

Now these are candidates that were actually under consideration for positions – the employers weren’t just reviewing resumes or deciding who to bring in for an interview. These were candidates at or past the offer stage. So that’s pretty significant. Think about your last or current job search and all the resumes you sent, everything you did to get an interview, all the negotiations to get the offer. Then imagine that a random Facebook update or Tweet kept you from receiving that final letter. Or worse -- caused an offer to be rescinded. You can prevent this from happening to you by exercising some good ol’ common sense.

Here are three rules to prevent social media self-sabotage, plus a few tips on how to make your online presence work for you,rather than against you:

1. Adjust your privacy settings:


Make sure personal photos aren’t shared with everyone – particularly if they show any drinking, partying, inappropriate settings, etc.

  • Don’t talk about excessive drinking or illegal drug use anywhere that potential employers can see it.
  • Don’t disparage current or former employers, co-workers or clients – everyone assumes you’ll talk about them the same way.
  • Don’t share confidential information from current or previous employers – again, everyone assumes your lack of discretion will extend to them and they won’t trust you.

2. Remember that Business Communications should be Business-Like

Not surprisingly, employers seem dismayed by emoticons :( and text language (GR8) in emails and job applications. Fourteen percent of employers reported removing a candidate from contention for using an emoticon, while 16% dismissed candidates for using text-speak instead of English (sux 2 B U).

Communication skills are a definite hot button for employers. Twenty-nine percent of employers reported eliminating a candidate for poor communication skills on social media sites while 35% reported selecting a candidate because their profile showed solid communication skills.

The lesson here: Make sure your profile is polished and you have some examples of your communication skills prominently available for potential employers.

3. Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Another 18% of employers said they found information on social networking sites that caused them to make a hiring decision. The top reason? The candidate’s profile provided information that indicated they’d be a good fit for the organization. And that’s important in a job search. Research and apply to organizations that match your values. Employers want employees that are committed to what they do, and your profile can highlight that. If you’re applying to conservation-minded organizations, be sure you’ve joined green groups and showcase your activities that relate to their mission.

Likewise, if you’re applying for jobs in the beef industry, it’s likely your PETA membership won’t impress them.

Next Steps

So, you’re considering (or have been forced into) a job search. What do you do to control your online presence?

  • Start now, before you start searching for your next position.
  • Make sure you understand and take advantage of Facebook’s privacy settings. (We’ve written about that before – you can learn more about that here.) Restrict who can see other’s comments about you as well – you don’t need a friend talking about how wasted you were last night – even as a joke – to spoil your chances.
  • Use friend lists to separate your work & personal lives.
  • Ask for recommendations from current and former colleagues – employers cited references on professional sites as a reason to hire.
  • Be discreet about your job search while you’re still working. If you’re unemployed, then network away.

What have you seen from job seekers or while job hunting? Have employers checked up on you?

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