Social media can play a critical role in professional/business communications. The various websites and apps serve as a great connector between workers both within and across companies, industries, and even countries.
The vast majority of postings serve as informative updates regarding job opportunities, employee events, or sales/marketing endeavors. All of these items are expected to be done and do not bring any concern to the viewer.
Job Seekers, in particular, can positively use these social media tools to move forward their job search. This can be done by using it successfully in the following ways.
• Social media is a great way of making people aware that you are in the job market. By making this announcement, you can potentially attract the attention of any recruiter that are in your connections. Of course, you have to be sure that you want everyone to know that you are seeking new employment, including your current employer (if applicable).
• Social media can really jump start your job search networking as you can quickly build connections. This will help you both in gathering job leads, but also intelligence about prospective employers that can assist your decision-marking.
• Many companies are publishing their openings on social media, so being active on this medium will assist you in being made aware of opportunities.
• You can share information that is relevant to your profession or industry that you pick up in the media with your connections and followers. Taking this simple step can frame you as a subject matter expect in the eyes of others therefore assisting you when new employment is sought.
• Social media can also inform others of your experiences, education, skills, and any other qualifications. So, be sure to have an updated profile that accurately outlines what makes you a unique candidate.
For all the good that professional social media can have for a job seeker there is some potential risk out there. Most of this risk comes in the form of posting something that you probably should not. It is naïve to think that recruiters or hiring managers will not see your postings. If it is out there then it is public for people to see. Since it is all done electronically, you may never get the chance to explain yourself, so whatever first impression that the reader generates may be their lasting thoughts. On that note, let’s now look at some of the social media postings that should not be written and submitted for viewing.
• A disturbing growing trend that I have seen on professional social media has been candidates taking to these websites to complain about the job search process. Specifically, sharing with others poor experiences they have had with other companies. Unfortunately, this is not a particularly good look, as it paints a negative picture of the person, even if their issues are warranted. It is well-known that not every company gets back to all candidates, provides feedback, or hires in a timely fashion, but you don’t need to go on public record reinforcing this fact.
• There is not any reason to get political on a professional social media site. I would argue that if you are looking for employment, you should be cautious of diving into politics on personal social media, also. In today’s polarizing political climate, there is not any personal benefit to taking a stand which may negatively impact finding a job.
• Another seemingly growing trend is the posting about work/life balance. This could be a stated desire to work from home, criticizing a previous employer, or speaking negatively about a company currently in the news. Once again, job seekers should take a benign approach to posting on social media and not take a stand which may concern potential employers. With the growing reversal of work-from-home towards being back in the office, you may really scare off prospective companies with this approach.
• Finally, overly sharing your personal life on professional social media. Business should be primarily for business. If you are a job seeker, then sharing posts about your health concerns, addictions, or other challenges while inspiring may serve to scare off some companies, intentionally or subconsciously.
A person must always be thinking of the potential impact of everything they see and write about. Posting on a professional social media site is no different. It can even be argued that it is more important that you be conscious of what you do, since anything you post may leave a lasting record. A job seeker should strive to leave positive messages that advance their candidacy and not delve into anything controversial or potentially hurtful to their finding new employment.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
