Do’s and Don’ts for Using Facebook When Job Searching

Facebook has always been a great place to connect with friends and loved ones. Now, thanks to its job board feature, using Facebook when job searching is a reality and it could get you your next job.

Considering most recruiters use social media in the hiring process, your online persona could impact your work opportunities. Facebook has had its share of privacy concerns over the last few years; hence it’s smart to ensure that your social media persona is well-curated. Inappropriate posts, photos, and comments have cost people their jobs.

Brands and companies are cautious of their image, and they expect the same from their employees. The picture you project online will affect your prospects.

Below are the do’s and don’ts for using Facebook when job searching.

Think of your Facebook profile as your first impression. And remember, first impressions are everything. Google your name and see what comes up. If you don’t like what you see, neither will a prospective employer. Be careful of your image – how you present yourself to the world determines how people see you and treat you.

When you’re looking for a job, use your online persona to showcase your skills and talent. Connect and engage with your network. Participate in discussions in groups and communities that interest you. Your connections could open doors and create opportunities to work your way up the career ladder.

Where possible, use your Facebook account to show your designs or articles and even professional awards you have won. You can also use it to show your volunteering activities, all of which portray your initiative and responsibility.

Facebook’s reputation when it comes to user privacy and security is not excellent. If you haven’t checked your privacy setting in a while, it would be wise to do so.

You don’t know who can see photos you’re tagged in or see your posts.

Facebook has a privacy tool that allows you to view your public profile. Take advantage of this to see what others see when they access your Facebook page.

Review what strangers and friends of friends can see, including photos you are tagged in. Better yet, make sure you approve any tagged posts before they appear on your timeline.

Put your best foot forward. Make sure your Facebook represents your best self. Facebook has been around for decades. Do you still hold the same views as your 15-year-old self? If not, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to cleaning. Make sure your “About” section represents who you are and what you want to be known for.

Next, consider cleaning out your “friends.” Remember, quality over quantity is the best strategy when it comes to connecting. Who your friends are and what you post can give a stranger a glimpse into who you are and your fundamental beliefs. Make sure your feed shows you as you are.

Take action to delete any posts or pictures that compromise your job search or portray you negatively.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you never really know what could be shared or captured in a screenshot. What would you want a recruiter to see? Your profile is an extension of you. What you post reflects on who you are as a person.

Think of your profile as your Facebook resume. Make sure it portrays you in the best possible light. Don’t post anything that could affect a recruiter’s first impression of you.

Build your Facebook profile to reflect your responsibility and professionalism. Even your social life posts help with this, so do not omit them. But ensure they add positively to your brand.

Your best strategy is to be professional at all times. Always remember that what you share can work for you or against you. You’re not guaranteed privacy; the world is too hyper-connected for that.

According to Jobvite’s 2017 Recruiter Nation Report, several actions on platforms like Facebook give a negative impression of a candidate. These acts include:

Locate jobs and start applying. You can search for jobs by industry, skills, and location. Facebook has an “Apply Now” feature that simplifies the entire process by pre-populating the application with any details you have made public.

Be sure to follow companies that interest you. Doing this ensures that you’ll never miss a job posting. Any new job posting created by companies you follow will show up in your news feed.

Start your networking early, following people in the relevant fields and groups related to your profession. Beyond following, be proactive in your communication, commenting, liking, and sharing the different posts to become visible. Through these channels and people, you will learn of new opportunities.

Your Facebook page is no longer a place you can create a different persona nor use it to post anything you feel like. It has become a part of your professional life and your brand. Even with extreme privacy settings, you still want to curate it to reflect a positive impression of you to potential employers. Besides, when using Facebook for job searching purposes, you want to be easily found by these companies, so you will not have the luxury of limiting your visibility.

When actively seeking a job, remember always to put your best foot forward. It is a good idea to get some career service support, to help you curate your image. The job search coaching team at Distinctive Career Services can help.

Finally, be authentic. Your social media is your personal brand. Let your online persona propel your offline self and connections. Facebook is an excellent tool for starting real-world relationships. So, get to posting!