Can your Social Media Posts Hurt your Job Search?

Can your Social Media Posts Hurt your Job Search?

Looking for a job? You may not realize your college pictures could come back to haunt you during your search. Now that 70 percent of employers admit to using social media as a pre-hiring screening tool, it's important to take a quick look at what they'll find out there. At most, your posts will cost you the job altogether. But even if that doesn't happen, a questionable social media post may push another candidate ahead of you in the hiring process.

Before you start applying for jobs, take a moment to review your own online presence and note things that could look bad to a potential employer. Here are a few things to look for while you're reviewing.

Venting Work Frustrations

It can be tempting to go to social media to air your work frustrations. Negative posts about customers, your boss, your co-workers, or any other work-related situation are a no-no during a job search.  Remove any of these posts before you start looking for work.

Drugs and Alcohol

A photo of you holding a celebratory glass of wine is one thing. Multiple photos of you, drunk and partying with friends, is another. Look at your pictures through the eyes of someone considering becoming your boss and, when in doubt, delete.

Politically Charged Statements

These days, people certainly feel free to express their opinions about politics on social media. Even if you feel that you would only want to work for someone who shares your beliefs, it can send the wrong message.

Poor Grammar

Even if your future job doesn't involve writing, a social media presence riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes could repel potential employers. In fact, one study found "poor spelling and grammar" was the third most likely social media activity to disqualify a candidate, behind aggressive/offensive language and references to drug use.

No Social Media Presence

Your lack of a social media presence could hurt you, as well. An employer will likely wonder if you have something to hide. You may also give the impression that you aren't technologically savvy. At least set up a LinkedIn profile to display your professional credentials.

One solution is to set your social media profiles to private. This shows you have an online presence, but you limit who can see it. However, in doing so, you still have information that your followers can see, and there's no guarantee employers won't have mutual friends who can share it with them. Express Pros can help you ensure you're putting your best foot forward with every interview. Call us at (615) 441-8898 to find out how we can help you.