Social media can help or hinder your work

 By Nottingham Post  |  Posted: October 17, 2014

Performance and careers coach Penny Strutton looks at how social media can help or hinder work prospects

PRIVACY is a thing of the past. With the ability to document our life on multiple social media platforms, it’s no surprise more people are finding their personal life is bringing down professional opportunities.

Tory MP Brooks Newmark has resigned as Minister for Civil Society and is to step down at the next election after revelations about his links with women on social media. His may be an extreme case, but in the everyday world of work it is becoming quite standard for employers to search the internet for clues on their candidates – and social media profiles can tell a very different story to someone’s CV or interview performance.

One word of warning to job seekers: beware. Don’t think that your Saturday night debacles will give you that “fun guy” type of persona.

Of course, social media has become a fundamental recruitment tool and can be used effectively for job- seekers. Having a Linkedin profile is essential for demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to job-seeking. I’ve been told by recruiters they won’t look at a candidate with no Linkedin profile.

Social media can be critical to your job search – but it can also ruin your chances. Ensure you are sending the right messages out on the internet and can’t be hauled over the coals for flippant comments and outrageous photographs. Think very carefully about what you post and what you’d be happy for any future employer to see.

My tips are:

1. Don’t have your real name on your private social media accounts like Facebook. If you have a fake name, you can’t be found.

2. Don’t leave your profile open for strangers to view. There are settings you can change to ensure only friends can view your information – make sure they’re activated.

3. Don’t have unprofessional photos on professional sites such as Linkedin; you are selling a brand, so make sure any photos tell the right story.

4. Don’t bash current or previous colleagues or employers. You want to be seen as loyal, reliable and respectful, and that you act with the best intentions.

No one expects a saint. Employers want to see that you will be a good team fit and work well within the culture of the organisation. Having fun and a sense of humour may very well work in your favour – but within reason.

If you need some help refining your networking strategy, get in touch at penny@pennystrutton.co.uk.