Social media is popular, and almost everyone has an online footprint. But could your presence on social media be negatively affecting your job search? While there are a lot of legal questions about using social media as hiring criteria, many employers will check your public profiles before deciding to make an offer. You can help employers see you in a positive way by improving your social presence. Here are some of the most common problems and how to solve them.

1. Public Posts 

   In general, your tweets and Instagram posts are public. Anyone can see them. To make a good impression, don’t make a lot of negative posts or use profanity or otherwise offensive language. Problematic public posts can raise a red flag for employers, so review what you have online.

2. Professional Photos

   Visual media is also a big part of the impression you make. For example, on Facebook, your profile picture and cover photo are always public. Don’t post photos of yourself intoxicated, dressed inappropriately or otherwise unprofessional. Try to keep your photos neutral and unoffensive.

3. Public Comments

   When you comment on a public post, anyone can see that response. This means you need to be very careful about what you say. Don’t make inappropriate comments if you don’t want a potential employer to see them. It’s also a good idea to check the comments on your public posts as well to ensure you’re not associated with someone making inappropriate statements.

4. Control Tagging

   Some social media platforms allow other users to tag you in photos and comments. You can change your profile settings to require that you approve any online tagging or just turn it off altogether. This can help you avoid any problems when someone Googles your name.

5. Use LinkedIn

   While social media can be a landmine if you’re not careful, there are professional networks to help you find your next job. One mistake a lot of job seekers make is avoiding LinkedIn, which is designed for professional networking. Complete your LinkedIn profile and participate regularly.

How Else Can Social Media Help You in the Job Search?

The recruiters at InterSolutions can help, so call today.