Social networks - will help or hinder when looking for work?

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    Social networks are an integral part of job search in the digital age. We can use LinkedIn to expand our acquaintances and create a personal brand, as well as follow the company on Instagram to get an idea of ​​the corporate culture. However, if you do not be careful, social networks can significantly reduce your chances of getting the perfect job.

    Most job seekers understand that it is not prudent to talk negatively about the current employer, colleagues or clients. But there are many other, less obvious mistakes on social networks that can have disastrous consequences for finding a job.

    Deprecated Social Profile Information

    Do your LinkedIn and Xing profiles look modern and professional? What about your contact details and current job title? You underestimate yourself when you do not supplement your profiles in a timely manner with basic information, as well as new skills, latest projects and achievements.

    Discrepancy between resume and online profile

    Many candidates are excluded from short lists due to inconsistencies identified between their profiles on social networks and resumes, especially when it comes to employment dates. It is very important that the information available about you on the Internet, including on LinkedIn, matches your resume. Even if the difference is the result of a simple misunderstanding, rather than an attempt to hide something, it can be regarded as insufficient attention to detail, and also form an opinion that you tend to make mistakes.

    Publication of inappropriate materials

    Of course, confidentiality settings do exist, but it will be prudent to provide access to all materials posted on the Internet to recruiters and hiring managers. And if you do not want them to see it, just do not spread it.

    So, for example, recently our colleagues were faced with the fact that the candidate was withdrawn from the job offer after the employer read the stinging publications that she made, being dissatisfied with the poor service of the company. The candidate used obscene language and even posted screenshots of conversations.

    On the other hand, it is possible to use social networks to create a positive personal brand. For example, you can use Instagram to show interest in a particular sector or industry. It can be your participation in various exhibitions, events or groups, visits to relevant places, offices or enterprises. Through Twitter, you can showcase your interests and experience. For example, post a post about a webinar that you thought was informative, or about developing a new industry that you are passionate about. Of course, LinkedIn is a reflection of a significant part of your personal brand, so make useful contacts, join the relevant groups, publish, being professional and connected with your work / industry, and regularly update your profile.

    Publications during business hours

    If you have to go through an interview, the hiring manager has complete information about your current employment conditions. This doesn’t look very good when they search on social networks and see that you regularly publish on business hours. For a number of employers, this may cast doubt on your focus on work and productivity.

    Premature acquaintance

    It makes sense, in preparation for the interview, to familiarize yourself with publicly available information on social networks in order to get an idea of ​​the interviewer's education and career path, the organization’s culture, or to read any published blogs or articles that he may have written.

    However, there is a difference between research, as a way of preparing for an interview, and the situation when they are transformed from an initiative into an intrusive applicant. Sending an add request before you are offered a job can form a false submission about you as a self-confident and too arrogant person. After receiving an offer for a vacant position, you can join in all professional networks such as LinkedIn, but up to this point, stick to business correspondence by e-mail, either directly or through your recruiter, depending on your way of communicating.

    Thus, when the time comes for your next job search, make sure that social networks are your friend and not your enemy. Do not forget to update the information in your social profile, bring resumes and online profiles to correspondence, observe professional and business style in publications and comments, do not post messages during working hours and do not send requests for additions on LinkedIn to potential managers until you receive a job offer .

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