When applying for jobs, chances are most employers will search for you via the Internet. Here are some tips to help ensure that what they find is positive and perhaps give you an opportunity to market yourself in ways that a résumé can’t.
Keep an eye on Facebook photos you post, and what you’re tagged in. Even if you’re eager to show off how many shots you were able to keep down last weekend, future employers are more interested in some of your other accomplishments. Photos with excessive amounts of alcohol might present you in a less than professional light to employers.
Even if you’re 21, try to keep it classy when posting pictures online. Employers are not only concerned with legal issues, but more importantly, how you may one day represent their company. This goes for posts too — because of the ability to be anonymous on the Internet, you never know who’s read that you were “a complete shit show last night.”
Be familiar with privacy settings. When you first open a Facebook or Twitter account, the automatic privacy settings may not give as much online privacy as you’d like. To change the settings on Facebook, choose the “Account” tab and click on “Privacy Settings.” You can customize to the extent that certain friends can only see specific things on your page (a great option for when you find yourself friends with Mom or a professor).
Also, by choosing to “Customize settings” and “Preview My Profile,” you can see how each specific friend, and others on Facebook, view your profile. By going to “Connecting on Facebook,” you can also control who can search you.
To privatize Twitter, click on your Username, then click on “Settings.” Scroll down to “Protect my tweets” to manually approve followers to your tweets.
LinkedIn profiles can stay more public if you prefer, especially because the information available on this site should highlight your professional life.
Never underestimate the power of the Internet. Even though you’ve set maximum privacy settings, remember the never-ending capabilities of the Internet. Some larger companies may have the capability to get past your privacy settings without your approval. Even if you think you’re immune, remember that your posts and pictures are still going to be on the Internet — which never guarantees absolute privacy.
Have an online presence. Besides your Facebook, and maybe Twitter, there are other ways to make yourself available online. LinkedIn, a networking site that can be used “to exchange information, ideas and opportunities,” (according to its website) allows you to post important items such as your résumé and other career-related information. An increasing number of professionals use LinkedIn, and this is a great way to network for possible job opportunities.
Another way to strengthen your online presence is to create a personal website or blog. A personal website allows you to publish information that can’t be explained in detail on a résumé. This is a smart option especially if you’d like to showcase work such as writing samples or graphic design projects. Online programs such as WordPress or Tumblr are relatively easy to use, free and you can learn the basics of Web design while you’re at it. It’s also relatively inexpensive to purchase your own domain name to make the website appear more professional.
Remember to link the website to your résumé!
The name you prefer should be consistent. Especially if you go by another name other than your legal name, it’s crucial to use the same name in all circumstances. By doing so, you can ensure employers can identify you and verify information.
Try to network with professionals in the field. This is what you’ve created your LinkedIn page for, right? Whenever you meet professionals in a field you’re interested in, always think about future opportunities and keep their contact information in mind.
Unless your job requires working directly with social media, save Facebook time for later.
Enough said.