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Career Expert Provides Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers on Social Networking

Mary Rosenbaum | August 20th, 2009

Some time ago I wrote a blog on the importance of monitoring your social networking sites whether you are looking for a job, working for a company or are self-employed. This study conducted by CareerBuilder highlights the fact that an increasing number of employers are using social networking sites to screen potential employees. The following article goes into detail on some do’s and don’ts.

 

Forty-five Percent of Employers Use Social Networking Sites to Research Job Candidates, CareerBuilder Survey Finds

Career Expert Provides DOs and DON’Ts for Job Seekers on Social Networking

CHICAGO, August 19, 2009 – As social networking grows increasingly pervasive, more employers are utilizing these sites to screen potential employees. Forty-five percent of employers reported in a recent CareerBuilder survey that they use social networking sites to research job candidates, a big jump from 22 percent last year. Another 11 percent plan to start using social networking sites for screening. More than 2,600 hiring managers participated in the survey, which was completed in June 2009.
Of those who conduct online searches/background checks of job candidates, 29 percent use Facebook, 26 percent use LinkedIn and 21 percent use MySpace. One-in-ten (11 percent) search blogs while 7 percent follow candidates on Twitter.

The top industries most likely to screen job candidates via social networking sites or online search engines include those that specialize in technology and sensitive information: Information Technology (63 percent) and Professional & Business Services (53 percent).

Why Employers Disregarded Candidates After Screening Online

Job seekers are cautioned to be mindful of the information they post online and how they communicate directly with employers. Thirty-five percent of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them not to hire the candidate. The top examples cited include:

  • Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information – 53 percent
  • Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs – 44 percent
  • Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients – 35 percent
  • Candidate showed poor communication skills – 29 percent
  • Candidate made discriminatory comments – 26 percent
  • Candidate lied about qualifications – 24 percent
  • Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer – 20 percent

Fourteen percent of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as a smiley face while 16 percent dismissed a candidate for using text language such as GR8 (great) in an e-mail or job application.

Why Employers Hired Candidates After Screening Online

Job seekers are also encouraged to leverage social media when advertising their skills and experience. Eighteen percent of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate. The top examples include:

 

  • Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit – 50 percent
  • Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications – 39 percent
  • Candidate was creative – 38 percent
  • Candidate showed solid communication skills – 35 percent
  • Candidate was well-rounded – 33 percent
  • Other people posted good references about the candidate – 19 percent
  • Candidate received awards and accolades – 15 percent

“Social networking is a great way to make connections with potential job opportunities and promote your personal brand across the Internet,” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder. “Make sure you are using this resource to your advantage by conveying a professional image and underscoring your qualifications.”

Haefner recommends the following DOs and DON’Ts to keep a positive image online:

1)DO clean up digital dirt BEFORE you begin your job search. Remove any photos, content and links that can work against you in an employer’s eyes.

2)DO consider creating your own professional group on sites like Facebook or BrightFuse.com to establish relationships with thought leaders, recruiters and potential referrals.

3)DO keep gripes offline. Keep the content focused on the positive, whether that relates to professional or personal information. Makes sure to highlight specific accomplishments inside and outside of work.

4)DON’T forget others can see your friends, so be selective about who you accept as friends. Monitor comments made by others. Consider using the “block comments” feature or setting your profile to “private” so only designated friends can view it.

5)DON’T mention your job search if you’re still employed.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder.com between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals (employed full-time; not self-employed; with at least significant involvement in hiring decisions; non- government) ages 18 and over. With a pure probability sample of 2,667 one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.9 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher

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Marketing 101

Mary Rosenbaum | August 18th, 2009

What is your marketing plan for getting ahead at work? If it’s keeping your head down and doing a good job and hoping that those who should know about you do, then it’s time to start creating a real plan.

The first step is to understand how you should position yourself and what your real value is to the organization. The value you provide is the basis for your reputation in the company, what you are known for- your personal brand. For many companies value is determined based on the “pain points” they need help with such as increasing revenue, reducing costs, gaining visibility, expanding, managing for growth, etc. Where do you fit in? Can you identify what pain points you help resolve and if not, then perhaps you should be more focused on moving in that direction.

Once you know your value, your personal brand, then you must identify your target audience. Who needs to know about you and your successes for you to gain the acknowledgement and professional growth you desire. Your target audience should consist of current as well as prospective bosses and employers who can propel you in the direction you wish to go.

Creating your communication plan is probably the most difficult step. The task is not to “toot your own horn” but rather to ensure that those in control are aware of your value as well as your goals. Whether it’s through working together or day to day contact the responsibility of communicating your value, your personal brand, rests on your shoulders. Never assume that a job well done is always appreciated and therefore rewarded.  Connect the dots for them and you will create the career you want.

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Take a Break – Take Back Control

Mary Rosenbaum | August 4th, 2009

Finding a job is stressful for even the most talented and sought after professional. One way to reduce the stress level that results from “all work and no play” is to make sure that each day includes some activities that reflect your passions and interests. Being authentic to yourself and choosing how you want to spend your “release time” will help you take control of your situation. Here are some ways that may help you release some of the stress and get back the balance you need.

Do something you love every day.

Whether your passion is playing sports or listening to music, the pleasure you derive from these activities gives your mind a mini vacation providing you with a fresher focus when you get back to work. 

 Do something you’ve always wanted to do.

Remember a time when you were learning something new? Time flew by and you felt energized by what you were doing. Ever dreamed of playing the piano, speaking a new language, or playing bridge? Pursuing a new interest gets a different part of your brain functioning and releases it from the constancy of your every day stressful activity.

Get involved by helping others.

Where can you lend a hand that enables you to combine your interests and skills in the service of others? Volunteering forces you to focus on the needs of others and immerses you in something different while providing value to those that need help. Adding value and being productive in an authentic way lets you take control of your situation and reduce the stress.

So give your mind a break and take a break – do something that makes you feel good.

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