Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google +, YouTube ... the list of current social networks goes on and on. But exactly how 'clean' is your social network footprint? A survey by CareerBuilder.com found that 43% of employers research candidates before hiring them. For some looking for a new job, this finding is the stuff of nightmares. That drunken game of strip poker that found its way on Facebook, that off the cuff, but ever so rude, twitter post to an ex-partner, yur status which lightly suggested you were taking drugs, not to mention the umpteen photos posted that your tagged in by so-called mates ... being seen by someone you want to work with!
What turns employers off a promising candidates?
Employers, in general, have particular gripes about people they might hire, including:
- Job candidates who have posted inappropriate or provocative posts
- Job candidates who have posted information about them drinking or using drugs
- Job candidates who have criticised previous employers.
- Job candidates who have poor communication skills
So, with all this in mind, it might be time to clean up your social profiles and delete posts that you're neither proud of or want future employers to see.
Clean your social network profile
These days all social networks allow users to delete posts. But, make sure you go back as far as possible and delete photos, text and tags that would paint you in a back light to a future employer. Below are a few tips to help you pick out the information to delete forever.
1. View as Private
On sites like Facebook, use the 'View as Public' and chance it to 'View as Private' so that you can see what a potential employer might see. Beware, remember that even if you set your profiles to private, employers may still be able to see past posts, especially if you share a mutual connection.
2. Be careful about posting your opinion
Sure, 'Like' a comment or write "LOL" or "HaHa" when a friend posts a photo of a bad hair day. But be very careful, or avoid altogether, commenting on 'hot topics' or trending topics as your opinion might be in total contrast to that of a future employer. If you think your comment might be rude, confrontational, provocative or flippant, best to keep this opinion to yourself, at least on the WWW.
3. Don't write in text speak
Keep the use of LMAO, BTW, LOL, M8, BRB, HXXX etc to an absolute minimum. If fact, seeing as you're cleaning your accounts, delete posts which are littered with text speak. Not everybody will understands that HXXX means 'Hugs and Kisses' ... typically anything with 3 XXX means porn.
4. Remove all inappropriate posts
Ask yourself, "Would I want my gran to see this photo / post?" If the answer is no delete the post now. Chances are any future employer will have the same taste as dear old granny. Remember, whilst gran thinks you represent the family name, your employer will worry that you're representing their company name and professionalism.
This includes photos, comments, likes, tags and anything else that paints you in a bad light, particularly any comments you've make in the past about any job you have had.
5. Phone a friend
Ask a trusted friend to test all your social network pages, because you might think you have deleted all inappropriate posts, but if your friend can find them live on the web so can your future employer. Get them to tell you what they have seen and then delete it for good.
6. Delete your profile altogether
Okay, we get it, you have 651 friends and some of which you met on your gap year 3 years ago. But ask yourself this, do you even contact them? Do you comment on their photos of what they had for lunch or the comment about their friend's new cat? If the answer is no, then why keep them on your social network? Your true friends, the ones you actually care about, will not might you starting again on Facebook etc. And as they are true friends, you'll be able to tell them you have when you see them in the local pub or their next BBQ.
7. Speak to the professionals
If you need serious help improving your online images, there are companies like Reputation911.com that can assist you. Part of their job is to analyse your online image and tweak it for the better. For instance, they can suppress old profiles that still show up on search engines so that when employers search your name, they’re not seeing your profile from eight years ago.
So, next time you look to change your job, you'll be able to hold your head up high, safe in the knowledge that any future employer won't stumble over photos of you drunk and wearing a mankini or a 'shag me quick' hat at the last stag and hen do you attended.
