Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook have been vital tools for recruiters looking to fill job positions, job seekers hoping to attract a new opportunity, and business owners looking for partnerships.
If you’re a job seeker, knowing how to properly use these sites can be the difference between getting a callback or missing a great opportunity.
Millett Granville, diversity and college recruiting manager at Wells Fargo, shares some of the top turn offs for recruiters when it comes to your social network profile, and how you can correct them:
Incomplete profile: “A lot of recruiters will pass [on a candidate] because they don’t have a full profile completed,†Granville says. Include all information in reference to your work experience, your interests, your summary, your Websites and any additional portions of your profile that can best reflect your career qualities.
OMG. LMAO. Too much casual Internet lingo: When you’re commenting
and updating statuses on social networking sites, stay away from Internet abbreviation slang. It just doesn’t look professional. “You want people to be able to see that you have strong written and communication skills,†she says.Old or nonworking information: Be sure Website links are active, job history information is current and that your contact information is accurate. “If you’re in a job search mode, you want people to know everything there is to know about what’s happening with you currently,†she says. If you don’t have current and correct information, employers have no way to contact you for opportunities.
Too many LinkedIn recommendations: Recommendations help reflect the credibility of a candidate, but too many from unrelated sources can reflect poorly. You must be strategic and selective. “Don’t ask people who don’t know you or can’t validate your work experience for recommendations,†she says.
Too much personal or inappropriate information: “Don’t put anything on those sites that could compromise your integrity or professionalism in any way,†she says. Be selective about your photos, privacy settings, people you link up to or befriend, and information that shows up from friends or other users. Granville recommends shying away from posting family or leisure photos, displaying foul or lewd language, and negative comments about a former boss, coworker, or employer. “That could come back and haunt you big time.â€