As a recruiter, when I come across a good candidate, what’s the first thing I do? I look them up on LinkedIn

This gives me a lot of insight on the candidate; things like their work history, their activities, if they have recently changed their job and not updated in their resume.

What you do on social media can have positive as well as negative impacts on your candidature.

Social media does not mean only LinkedIn, it also means your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even your Google reviews.

The Do’s :

1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated with your work history and this lines up with your resume. If your resume and LinkedIn don’t line up, I am not calling you.

2. Have a professional headshot on LinkedIn. No matter how awesome you look with your tongue out rocking an AC/DC t-shirt, it doesn’t go on LinkedIn. Wear formal office attire or even business casual is fine.

3. Keep your biography on the point – it’s your personality cover letter; talk about your passion for the job, your hobbies and if you wish to disclose a ‘bit’ of your personal life.

4. Email address and/or phone number – I stumble upon your LinkedIn, like your profile for a job I am recruiting for and wish to contact you, what next? The last thing I want to do is go on a wild goose chase to get your contact information.

5. Make sure the language used is professional, courteous and with correct grammar. Mentioning you have strong attention to detail and then finding typos doesn’t bode well.

The Don’ts (probably more important than the do’s) :

1. Do not share controversial opinions on a public forum – there are many stakeholders involved in the recruitment process and even if one person disagrees with you it can have a devastating result.

2. Even if your Facebook profile is private, your display picture is not. If your parents don’t approve of that picture, it should not be your display picture.

3. Inappropriate comments and posts – what goes on internet has the potential to be there forever. Even if your profile is private, anything you comment on on any public forum is not.

4. Google reviews – didn’t like the service on your last vacation – it’s ok to raise your concern, but also make sure you do it politely and in a courteous manner. Watch your language and tone and if posting any images or screenshots make sure you are not breaking any privacy laws – *reviews are always public*

5. Don’t connect while the interview process is on – of course, you should research the people who will be interviewing you and you’ll be working with but don’t send a connection request. Only connect when you are offered the job – on LinkedIn, not Facebook.

Open your incognito tab and look yourself up and ask yourself –  would you hire this person?

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