Does it seem like a secret online ninja assassin is hijacking all of your online job applications leaving you with zero responses? Well, in reality you might actually be the culprit. According to an article on Mashable, companies have been scouring the inter-webs for job seekers social oasis.The article explains there are ways to prevent your bar-hopping escapades from being seen by that Fortune 500 employer. But, can you use Facebook to help you get hired? I believe so.
I assume we all know how to turn on our privacy settings for Facebook. We can block our timeline from snoopers, hide images from stalkers and even tweak our names to deter Google searchers. However, if you use more than one social media site, chances are employers can still find you. And, about 37% of companies are looking. So why not show the professional, dapper side of you? The public can still see your profile picture, cover photo and basic information. Let's use these to our advantage.
First, choosing a profile picture that is more on the professional side is key. Maybe a photo from a family gathering, or a trip to the farmers market could work. Whatever it is, I would probably avoid your greatest keg stand time achievement.
Second, Facebook has given us the freedom of expressing ourselves further with cover photos. I would say the same rule applies from the profile picture. Personally, I like throwing up a hobby of mine or a place I have been to recently. It shows you are not a basement dweller and capable of human interaction.
Third, is the wee bit of basic information below your profile picture. It's always fun to joke around with where you live, your complicated relationships, or heated political views. It's not fun when a possible employer see's you "Live at 'Insert Friend's Name' Mom's House." Keep it clean is all.
Have any other tips or tricks to clean up your social media image when job searching? Please comment below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric Gruenfelder is an intern for fishbat, an online marketing firm located in Bohemia, NY. He also recently dived into the comic world and will probably not come back up for air.