Have you checked your online presence before applying for a job?  Try searching for yourself online and see what you can find about yourself. Is it appropriate?  

Only a couple of years ago the process of applying for a job seemed very straightforward. You would see a job you wanted to apply for, you would apply for it (often spending hours trying to write the perfect personal statement and worrying about whether you had written enough!).

If your skills and experience matched the job profile you would be invited for interview and if all went well you would be offered the job. Fast forward to the present day, add in the introduction of social media and suddenly what seemed like a simple process of applying for a job now requires an extra layer of involvement. Many employers are now using social media to screen applications by searching for the applicant online and checking their online profile.  

Sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google allow employers to gather more information about a candidate away from their CV. The Facebook pictures of you drunk at a party or the colourful language you used when speaking to a friend on Twitter about your thoughts on a political figure or complaining about your boss are perhaps not going to get you that dream job. However, if searching your name brings up more positive results such as posts about your achievements or interests then this could improve your chances of progressing to the next stage of the job process. 

Before you apply for a job you need to check how people see you online. The good thing about social media is that you can keep your private life separate from your professional, without having to manage two different accounts. All social media platforms have a privacy setting option. If you really need to share your night out on your social media page you can do so, but make sure to only share this post with your friends. The rule of thumb, when in doubt don’t share it OR leave it on private. 

When using social media platforms such as LinkedIn please remember that your profile is in the public domain so all information must be accurate. Prospective employers will check for discrepancies between your CV and LinkedIn profile. Personal recommendations also add credibility to your LinkedIn profile, so ask your contacts to write about your capabilities, also include any material that illustrate your skills and achievements, such as videos, blogs, creative portfolios or your website. Finally, include a photo and make sure it is business appropriate – not you at the Christmas party after a few too many or a lovely family picture of you and your Granny at Christmas! 

So, before you send off that job application remember that ‘Googling' prospective candidates is a relatively common practice amongst employers, and you should be mindful of any potentially damaging information about yourself that might be online. But it is also important to remember to take advantage of the benefits of social media – it’s an often-needed extra step to show what you bring to the table, a way to add flair to your application, and make a lasting impression on your potential employers. 

 If you are looking for some help in improving your online profile or are looking for some career advice, you can get in touch with us. Contact us on 07510 051 781 or email enquiries@valeco.co.uk