Advice from Andrea: Beware of Social Media Setbacks

If you are reading this blog post, you undoubtedly use some type of social media in your everyday life. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, something. And those are good things. But they are not always great when searching for a job.

Most companies and organizations will perform an internet search on any finalists for open positions. Specifically, they will look for their Twitter feed and their Facebook page and, oh yes, any YouTube videos they may have created.

For a majority of the candidates out there, this really is not a huge issue. Their Facebook privacy settings are secure. They know better than to post racy or offensive pictures. And their Twitter feed is not full of vulgar language and suggestive photos. However, some candidates are not so careful. And their ‘openness’ online costs them the job. Or at the very least puts them on the receiving end of an embarrassing phone call from the potential employer asking them to clean up their online act.

So, a few things to remember:

1) Keep the Facebook privacy settings tight so non-friends cannot see posts, photos, really, much of anything. Even better, keep your Facebook page respectable period.

2) Do not tweet profanity constantly. Avoid spewing hateful or mean comments. And be careful with those photos too. Something you find funny could be offensive to a potential employer.

3) Be judicious about any videos you post on all social media sites. Even something that seems harmless could hurt your shot at the job. Ask a few trusted friends when in doubt about what is appropriate.

4) Google yourself regularly. Be aware of what potential employers see when they type in your name. Make sure it is the kind of content you would want your boss to see.

Job searches are very different today than they were ten years ago. Your resume is not your only representation to future employers. Make sure everything they can find presents you in a positive light.

Andrea McCarthy is Human Resources Manager at the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.