Or, How NOT to blow getting a great job because of your online presence!
It’s that time of year…graduation time. Thousands of eager college graduates flooding employers with their resumes, anticipating they’ll be hired immediately. Then…nothing. They end up having to take a job—any job—that comes along.
This is the generation that grew up using social media as often as the rest of us breathe. However, many of them aren’t doing it in a way that will help them get a job—or worse, guarantee that they won’t even be interviewed.
Many people assume that sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and so on are only for fun and they don’t matter to a future employer. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Much is being said about one’s “online reputation.” Lida Citroën recently had a great post on her blog about the importance of knowing what would happen if someone were to Google you.
According to a 2010 survey by Microsoft, 79% of recruiters and hiring managers reviewed online information posted to social networking sites and blogs to screen job candidates. Seventy percent of the time, job candidates were rejected based on their online reputation.
I follow many “youngsters” on a variety of social media sites and I cringe when I see them posting about their drinking, drug use, sexual escapades, class skipping, etc., etc. Maybe they’re joking, maybe not. They also use horrible grammar and spelling, and include swear words in virtually every post. Posts like “My story was dummy nice that I read in class today tho” sound cute, but it makes it look their college degree was a waste.
These are the same kids who come to me to ask if I’d refer them for a possible position or make an introduction for them. The perception that I have of them, based on what I’ve seen in their posts, is not good, so why would I put my reputation on the line by referring them?
Now, I’m not saying that someone can’t have “fun” and post about it online, but do it within reason. If your Grandmother would say in a horrified way: “What did you just post?” then you shouldn’t post it!
The same thing goes for pictures—before you post, think to yourself: “How will this be interpreted?” Be especially vigilant about watching when your friends tag you in their posts and pictures.
Appearing “professional” online is a great way to set yourself apart from your peers. Connect with “adults” who can help you in your job search and impress them with your posts.
If you’re getting ready to graduate, what tips do you have? Share with the “older” generation!
I’d suggest that there are adults that post things that wouldn’t help them get hired also. We should all be reminded from time to time that people get an impression of us based on our posts.
Susan – thanks for visiting my blog! You’re right – everyone should be vigilant about what’s out there about them. One of the best things is to set Google Alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts) to look for your name. It’s free and any time your name appears on the Internet, you’ll be notified.
This is a very relevant article for new graduates and any age level who think facebook and other such sites are only for personal use “among friends” and post too much information. Thank you for pointing out grammar and vocabulary! That is a huge pet peeve of mine. It is very hard to respect peers and anyone who writes / posts using what I like to call texting / twitter abbreviations.
One thing that I have noticed is that my generation thinks facebook, myspace, so forth are for personal use only. To interact through social media on a professional level, they will get a LinkedIn account. It isn’t one or the other anymore. You have multiple accounts for a reason, and it is to interact personally (general data – I really enjoy the grandma comment!) and professionally through different means and platforms.
I didn’t know about Google alerts. I recently googled my name, but the alert system makes me very curious, and I”ll have to check it out.
Christina – as you are someone who is about to graduate from college, I really appreciate your comments! You’ve always been “good” with your posts over the years, but you have definitely stepped it up recently to be even more professional. You’ll go far!
This is a great post and advice. I have shared this type of information with my dear nephews that are in college. I’m proud to say that they have cleaned up their act on FB. Actually my 20 year old nephew just landed a summer internship at a highly regarded Commercial Real Estate Company and one of the things that was mentioned to him was how impressed they were with his extracurricular activities and what he does for fun. Being my nephew (I have thought him well) he asked how did they know and their response was: ‘We checked out your posts on Facebook. Nothing you post would embarrass us.’ He texted me right away and was so proud of himself.
Social media is a great way for teens and those in their 20’s to truly stand out – in a good or bad way. They can lose scholarships or jobs, or they can show just how mature they are. It’s great that your nephews have learned early how to truly optimize their online reputations!
Deb, Great article! My son graduates from Leeds School of Business next week – I have made similar suggestions to him regarding Facebook – I have already forwarded your article – perhaps if it’s not from “mom” it will have more impact. When I read random Facebook posts to my mom (age 79), she can’t believe what people will share! How times have changed. Thanks for your insight.
Joanne – thank you for your comment! I’d love it if your son would provide feedback on my post. And, if it helps…you can tell him I’m not a Mom! ?