Not getting job offers? Tips for social media and job hunting

In today's modern world, social media is integral to our daily lives. These platforms offer numerous benefits, from sharing personal moments to connecting with friends and exploring new opportunities. What many people may not realize is that their social media presence can significantly affect their job prospects. Employers increasingly use social media to evaluate potential candidates and gain insights beyond what a resume or interview can provide.

In this article, we offer tips for using social media to improve your chances of getting a job. We discuss the importance of maintaining a professional online image and provide practical advice on how to use social media to your advantage in the job search process. So, if you've been struggling to secure a job offer, it may be a good time to take a closer look at your social media presence and ensure it's helping you rather than holding you back.

Polish your online presence

Take a careful look at your social media profiles and ensure they present a positive and professional image. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey of over 1,000 hiring managers and human resources professionals, employers are looking for the following when they search for you on social media:

Information that showcases your qualifications and fit for the role: 58%
A professional online presence: 50%
Posts about you by other people: 34%
A reason not to hire you: 22%

While an online presence is part of everyday life, it's beneficial to maintain your privacy. Adjust your settings to control who can see your personal information and posts, particularly on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Consider keeping your personal profiles private or limiting access to close friends and family. Remove inappropriate or unprofessional content such as posts, photos, or comments. Consider optimizing and polishing your online presence for industry networks by using a professional headshot and writing a compelling headline and summary for your bio.

"According to the CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates during the hiring process."

Monitor your online presence

Once you overhaul your social media profiles to make them more appealing to recruiters, begin to monitor your online presence regularly. According to the CareerBuilder survey, employers continue to check their team members' online presence even after they make a hire. As many as 48% of employers use social networking sites to research their current employees, and 10% do it every day. About one-third of the employers surveyed found posts on an employee's social media account that resulted in a warning or termination.

That's why it's so beneficial to look up your name on search engines regularly to see the results. Keep your posts professional and neutral in tone to ensure your reputation remains positive and attractive to employers. Set up Google Alerts for your name and any industry-related keywords to receive notifications about mentions or developments affecting you. This step helps you proactively manage your online presence. You can also set your social media accounts to hide updates or tagged posts until you approve them. This protection gives you greater control over what information gets shared about you online.

Not being online can hurt you, too

According to the CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates during the hiring process. The survey showed that 47% of employers say that if they can't find a candidate online, they're less likely to ask them for an interview. As many as 28% of employers use social media to gather information about the candidate before an interview and 20% are suspicious when they can't find a candidate online at all.

How to use social media to increase your job prospects

Leverage social media to expand your professional network. Use these platforms to research companies, recruiters, and successful individuals in your desired industry. Follow their pages to stay current with the latest news, events, and job openings. When you apply for jobs, engaging with a company's content can show your interest and knowledge. Connect with colleagues, classmates, and industry leaders. Join networking events or webinars from recognized associations or industry groups. A strong network can lead to referrals and uncover hidden job opportunities.

Look for relevant career or industry groups on professional networking platforms, Facebook, Reddit, or similar sites. Use them to actively contribute valuable insights, ask questions, and network with others. These communities can offer meaningful job leads, advice, and industry updates. Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience, including potential employers or recruiters searching for specific keywords. This engagement can help you build connections and enhance your online presence.

If you use it right, social media can be a fantastic way to network with like-minded individuals and open doors to new job opportunities. Without the proper attention and care, it can negatively affect your job prospects and even your current role. It's crucial to be aware of what you post online and regularly check what information potential employers can find out about you on the internet. Still on the job hunt? Upload your resume to CareerBuilder and let potential employers come to you.