Employers are scrutinising job applicants’ online profiles more closely than ever during the appointment process, and job hunters should rehabilitate their online footprint before even thinking of sending out applications, an education expert says. Until recently, job hunters have been advised to ensure there is no compromising content on their social media profiles which could potentially harm their prospects.
Dr Felicity Coughlan, Director of The Independent Institute of Education shares 4 things that when creating a new social media profile, graduates should keep in mind that they should:
Keep it real
This is your opportunity to start with a clean slate, so ensure that the information you share is accurate. Add any new relevant information as you progress throughout your studies and career, so that you professional online presence steadily continues to grow. Under no circumstances should you falsely lay claim to qualifications or experience. It will come back to bite you.
Highlight achievements
Some people are hesitant to sound like they are “bragging”. This is not the time to be shy. If you have achieved something worth noting, you would do well to highlight that. Either by positioning it higher up in your profile, or by making it stand out in another way. Remember that your online profile allows you to manoeuvre in ways that a CV on paper does not.
Explain gaps in employment/studying
It is not only about what is on your profile, but also what is not. If you took a gap year or had to interrupt your studies for some reason, note it in you profile. But also make an effort to show that it was not time wasted, and that you built skills or experience in some way.
Demonstrate or provide evidence of soft skills
Employers don’t just look at your qualifications and technical proficiency. In our tough job market, you have to show that you have, for instance, been able to work successfully as part of a team, or that you can communicate well in a professional environment. In 2015, social media provides both a challenge and an advantage to job seekers. By taking the time and making the effort, you can put yourself well ahead of the pack by ensuring your online profile reflects a well-rounded, reliable and professional candidate.
