Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Your Career Search?

A survey conducted at the end of 2014 stated that roughly 74% of adults in the world have a social media account, and it is easy to say that Social media is becoming part of everyday life in all kinds of new ways. Having these accounts is not just for entertainment anymore and has become a way for individuals to get connected to others for career purposes that used to be impossible unless you knew someone who knew someone. These sites make it much easier to view your name, picture and showcase of your experience to the masses. With all of this exposure, it is important to remember the purpose of particular sites and how to utilize them to your advantage.

Social media has changed the way employers are posting their job openings and how they seek out new talent. In addition to traditional posting options such as the company website, more employers are utilizing job posting boards and social media to advertise their openings. If you’re interested in career opportunities with a specific company, make sure you are following, liking, etc. them on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, so you become aware when a position is posted. It’s also a good idea to take the same approach with trade associations, industry recruiters and companies that repost positions like Indeed, Bullhorn Reach and Zip Recruiter.

These additional posting sources have led to an increase in candidate responses for each opening. As an applicant, it is important to be mindful of what is available to prospective employers online and how you can either help your professional profile or limit your chances of an interview. Once an employer receives an application, with a couple clicks of a mouse the hiring manager can search social media sites and potentially view the applicant’s whole life story.

With your posting activity in mind, note that not all social media sites are created equal and each has its own purpose and advantage. For instance, LinkedIn is not a place to share pictures of your vacation or provide a movie review. It is meant to give you an opportunity to network with roughly 364 million others worldwide and showcase your talent, experience and accomplishments. Google+ is less widely used, but it serves a similar purpose if you connect your work email to your profile. Next time you post or share something online remember that it could play a key role in how you are viewed professionally and could potentially either help or hinder you from the next great opportunity.

Are you currently on the market and seeking your next career? There are many opportunities available and we can be one of the networking resources you use during your search. Find and like the Marlyn Group, LLC on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to learn more about positions we have available or email your resume directly to us at hiring@marlyngroupllc.com.