What does your public profile over the internet say about you? Here’s how you can ensure that your online presence creates a favorable impression on the recruiter and gets you the interview call.
Though not a norm, but a rising trend in candidate screening these days is browsing his/her profile on social networking sites. Recruiters want to know a candidate beyond the facts and figures mentioned in the resume. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Orkut are becoming sources of information about a candidate’s personal traits and help in gauging if he/she would fit the workplace culture of their organization. What does your public profile over the internet say about you, and does it add weight to your candidature? Here are some important points to ensure that your online presence creates a favourable impression on the recruiter and gets you the interview call:
Don’t speak ill about your current/previous employer
Bad mouthing your current or previous bosses is an absolute NO during interviews, as we know, but the same rule extends to your publically viewable social network profiles. It does not impress a prospective employer to see the image of your employer/company being tarnished; it only gives them an idea that you could be doing the same once you part ways with the organization. It could accelerate the process of striking out your name from the candidate list or cross out on some required qualities on the recruiter’s checklist.
Keep your profile updated
Whether actively looking for a job or not, maintain your social profile and keep it job ready. Recruiters of today head hunt for top-notch professionals, even those who are passive on the job hunting scenario. You never know who might contact you with a job offer that interests you thoroughly.
Screen the profile contents
Are your current co-workers and/or boss connected with you beyond the office premises? Well, if you have already discussed with your boss about your future plans to move on, it is a different thing, but if you are keeping your job search a quiet affair, then be careful about the information you divulge and the online networking activity you undertake as part of the job hunting process.
Also, ensure that you abide by the internet policy of the company you currently work for and follow the confidentiality agreements at all times.
Join groups, but ensure relevancy and selectivity
Networking sites allow you to connect with other people with similar interests. In fact, even companies and institutions have community pages on these sites allowing past and present employees and students respectively to meet and share their experiences on a common platform. A great way to scout for vacancies, informational interviews and references, it also leaves a trail back to your personal profile and social and fun activities.
Always bear in mind that the recruiter is looking for a mature professional to fill the job vacancy. It will help your case if you showcase your professional aspirations, career interests and endeavours like volunteering and skill building activities by being a member of such groups.
(Source -: shine.com, Nimrata Grewal)
