Social Media

Research has proven that 90% of recruiters and HR professionals refer to social media to decide whether to hire you and as such managing your online reputation is imperative to you securing your new role. Sensor the photo’s that you are tagged in because your new potential employer will probably be looking at them.
Pre-screening has become a lot easier in the cyber era we live in and it is all about keeping your profile interesting and relevant. You may want to try and google yourself and see what appears.

Some tips to managing your online reputation

  • Don’t let anyone else create your profiles.
  • Privacy settings use them and keep personal information to a minimum.
  • Build Relationships with the right recruiters
  • Understand the ramifications of a negative online reputation on your future career and make sure they understand how you want to manage your online presence.
  • Regular checks – it’s important that you frequently monitor what is being posted and so do stay on top of posting information regularly to build up a positive presence.

Building your profiles online

There are a numerous ways you can increase your online presence to get on the radar of potential employers and recruiters. Effectively managing your profile is an integral part of your job search.

LinkedIn

  • Make your LinkedIn profile work as hard as possible.
  • Sell your skills, experience and competencies.
  • Ensure you maintain an up-to-date profile.
  • Ask previous employers you have worked with to recommend you.
  • Build out your professional network and increase your professional connections.
  • Follow industry experts and companies you want to work for.

Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

  • Use your feed as a platform to communicate your specialist knowledge and expertise.
  • Follow industry leaders and media to retain top industry insight.
  • Maintain a good balance of professional and informal tweets to show your personality.
  • Treat it in the same way you do your LinkedIn profile.
  • Publish details about your personal interests and profile-enhancing updates like your charitable activities and voluntary work, sports or writing.
  • If you do treat this in the same was as your LinkedIn profile.
  • Blogging in a professional capacity can help enhance your online presence.
  • If properly managed, it can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to a targeted professional audience.
  • Tailor your content to your audience.
  • Keep the blog regularly updated.
  • Include links to your online profiles, personal website and/or blog in your email signature.
  • This will maximize your exposure during job applications to potential employers.