Social Media and Your Job Search: What Are Employers Looking For?

What’s the first thing you do when you want to know something about a company? 

Look online, right? Guess what? You’re not alone. 

Employers do the same thing when they want information about you. An increasing number of hiring managers use social platforms to recruit and screen candidates. 

That’s why it pays to keep your social media accounts up to date if you’re on the hunt for a new job—or even if you are passively open to new opportunities. The easier it is for employers to find information that highlights your work skills and personality, the more likely they are to want to interview you.  

So, where are recruiters looking? 

The most often checked sites are: 

• Facebook 
• LinkedIn 
• Twitter 
• Instagram 

What kind of information do potential employers like to see? 

A Professional-Looking Profile Picture 

You don’t have to shell out big bucks for the perfect shot, but make sure you’re dressed for success in your field.  

Good Grammar and Spelling 

Sometimes you must make creative spelling choices on platforms like Twitter, where there’s a character limit. However, you never know which post a potential employer might read, so it’s best to use good grammar and spelling as often as possible. It’s also wise to avoid profanity and saying anything online that you wouldn’t be willing to stand behind in an interview. If your profession involves writing skills, think of your social posts as an opportunity to showcase your communication abilities to potential employers. 

Education and Experience 

Most job seekers include this information on their LinkedIn profiles, but many other social profiles have space for education and experience, too.  

Group Engagement 

Being an active member of professional groups on LinkedIn and other social media can be a great way to make connections. Commenting and contributing to discussions shows off your knowledge of your field and can impress potential employers.  

Industry Interests 

Following companies you’d love to work with is a great way to show interest to a possible employer. It also has another benefit: their industry posts will appear in your feed and give you topics to discuss during interviews. Sharing and commenting on posts involving things going on in your industry is another way to impress recruiters and hiring managers who might be visiting your profile. 

Personal Branding 

Are your pictures, posts, and attitude consistent across your social profiles? A super-professional LinkedIn profile and an ultra-casual Facebook profile can throw a red flag to employers who want to get to know the real you. Build your professional brand by using the same (or similar) profile photos across your accounts, keep the information in your bios updated and consistent, and be authentic in your posts. Creating a professional feel across your accounts will make potential employers want to know more—and hopefully request an interview. 

What traits do employers value in job seekers?  

Learn “5 Common Professional Qualities Businesses Look for in Top Talent.” 

Start your job search with PrideStaff. 

We make it easy to find a job you love by helping you put your best foot forward and get to work quickly with leading employers. Our recruiters can help you polish your resume, provide coaching for interviews, and present great-fit job opportunities. Contact your local PrideStaff office today.