by Ben Davies
Have you updated your MySpace profile lately? If not, now might be the time to do it. A recent survey by Career Builder has confirmed what we already knew: recruitment managers are using social networking websites to research candidates. In fact, according to the survey as many as one in five managers have done so, and more than one in three of them found reason to reject the candidate's application.
Social networking websites have blurred the line between public and private; friend and acquaintance. Perhaps you've heard horror stories of how someone's online profile got them fired from their job. However, it's not all bad. You can in fact use social networking to get yourself hired, not just fired. Here's how.
Tip No. 1: Good communication
When it comes to deciding between qualified candidates, personal skills become very important. Ensure your online profile (that is, your presence on MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, LinkedIn etc.) is communicative and clear. Obivously, you want to be aware of what you are communicating. Make sure your profile is welcoming, professional and concise. Using English correctly and an easy-to-navigate layout shows clear thinking and good communication skills.
If conversations between you and your friends are viewable, ensure they are positive and clean. One of the dangers of the internet is letting loose a little too much - managers may well pick up on any controversial or negative remarks, even if said in jest. Bragging or joking about illegal activities can also give you a bad image, so avoid it at all costs.
Tip No. 2: Respect former employers and colleagues
Dissing former companies and colleagues is definitely to be advised against. You want to show that you are a team player - bitter remarks and criticisms of former employers (however justifiable) leave a bad image of you, not them (well, them too). On the other hand, a well laid out summary of your work experience can show potential employers your range of skills, and can portray the image of being a hard-worker.
Tip No. 3: Contributing to the company atmosphere
What does your profile say about you as an individual? Managers are increasingly on the look out for people who can contribute to a positive spirit in the workplace. Are you outgoing and lively? Let your online profile show it! What are your interests and your hobbies? Let the world know that you are a diverse and interesting character. Your friends can help out too. If your online profile shows you to be someone who is easy to get along with, someone who is likable and funny, then recruitment managers will reason that you will contribute positively to the company culture.
Tip No. 4: Show off your creative skills
Something that is very important in the design industry is creative talent. But even for office or academic staff, an obvious creative streak can enhance your image. Are your social networking profiles well laid-out and unqiuely designed? Or are they a big mess of words and pictures? You can also attest to your creative skills by talking about or showing any images of your creative hobbies, such as photography, music or art. One clear message, however, is that you shouldn't have a profile picture of yourself that is provocative or indecent.
Tip No. 5: Awards, achievements and qualifications
Putting too many personal details online is something to be cautious of, but you do want to show that you are a well qualified individual. If your online profile shows the range and quality of awards and skills you have (whether from education, personal or secular sources) then potential employers will have a solid basis for having confidence in your ability. Make sure your background attests to this - lying about qualifications is easily noticeable and will immediately dismiss you from the runnings.
Top Tips
What to DO:
- Good communication skills
- Depth and range of experience
- Qualifications and skills
- A professional image
- Positive references and comments left by friends and others
- Creative ability
- Someone who can contribute to the company atmosphere
- Enthusiasm for work
What NOT to do:
- Brag about illegal activities
- Badmouth former colleagues and employers
- Discriminate or prejudice, even when joking
- Have a messy profile that is difficult to navigate
The future of social networking recruitment
The full potential of social networking sites from an e-recruitment standpoint hasn't yet been fully explored. The future may well see recruitment companies using social networks to pinpoint potential candidates. It's also an ideal way to target passive candidates as users are not necessarily looking for jobs. With the range of personal data that social networking sites have access to it's an ideal way to match potential candidates with jobs that are suited to their location, skills, and even personality.
So is your profile going to get your hired or fired? We hope that this guide will help you to find that ideal job, so go increase your online footprint and let employers see your skills!
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