Social Networks and Your Career
In a recent study released by Eurocom PR, one in five technology firms have rejected a job candidate because of his or her social media profile. Does that apply here in the Philippines, however? In an informal survey of hiring managers across different industries, 5 out of 6 would check an applicant's Facebook profile or do a search on Google for him.
€I Google him/her, part of a reputation check€¦I also check his LinkedIn,€ says Toni, a senior journalist.
€Yes, I definitely would,€ says a senior hotelier, who prefers to go by the pseudonym Fussy Mama. €To know more about his or her profile, and see if it supports my reading of one's persona.€
Sheila, an HR Manager for a retail company confirms this: €Yes, we check a candidate's Facebook account or Google the candidate. This is one way to do a background check.€
Given this, how can YOU clean up your online reputation for future employers?
Take a look at your own online profile- would you hire yourself? Think before you post. If you don't want to say it on television, then you shouldn't be posting it. If you think your boss may disapprove, then don't post it as well.
Some employers (especially those in public service, education, or charitable organizations) are particular when it comes to the infamous €party pictures€ on Facebook. €We want prospective candidates to reflect the organization's mission/vision. If someone says one thing about themselves, we'd like to verify if it's true,€ says Cheska, who works in public office.
Some hiring managers, however, are a little more relaxed: €I don't mind drinking and partying pictures,€ says Jay, who works in finance. €What I am sensitive to is if he bashes work, former bosses or officemates. It says that people like that might cause conflict or spill something that's confidential.€ So if you have any anger issues about work, keep it to yourself.
So what SHOULD you put online? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites are great avenues to stay in touch with friends, and do networking for job and business opportunities.
Think of what you want other people to know about your life. Are you a budding photographer? A start-up baker? An aspiring fashion designer? Then post pictures and albums on Facebook that may entice potential customers. Abegail, a stay-at-home mother, began baking as a hobby and started posting her cupcakes online, through Facebook. Soon she began receiving orders and today has her own business!
Can you actually use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as a means to advancing your career? Time Magazine offers some good advice. So does Mashable and Forbes Magazine
€I Google him/her, part of a reputation check€¦I also check his LinkedIn,€ says Toni, a senior journalist.
€Yes, I definitely would,€ says a senior hotelier, who prefers to go by the pseudonym Fussy Mama. €To know more about his or her profile, and see if it supports my reading of one's persona.€
Sheila, an HR Manager for a retail company confirms this: €Yes, we check a candidate's Facebook account or Google the candidate. This is one way to do a background check.€
Given this, how can YOU clean up your online reputation for future employers?
Take a look at your own online profile- would you hire yourself? Think before you post. If you don't want to say it on television, then you shouldn't be posting it. If you think your boss may disapprove, then don't post it as well.
Some employers (especially those in public service, education, or charitable organizations) are particular when it comes to the infamous €party pictures€ on Facebook. €We want prospective candidates to reflect the organization's mission/vision. If someone says one thing about themselves, we'd like to verify if it's true,€ says Cheska, who works in public office.
Some hiring managers, however, are a little more relaxed: €I don't mind drinking and partying pictures,€ says Jay, who works in finance. €What I am sensitive to is if he bashes work, former bosses or officemates. It says that people like that might cause conflict or spill something that's confidential.€ So if you have any anger issues about work, keep it to yourself.
So what SHOULD you put online? Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites are great avenues to stay in touch with friends, and do networking for job and business opportunities.
Think of what you want other people to know about your life. Are you a budding photographer? A start-up baker? An aspiring fashion designer? Then post pictures and albums on Facebook that may entice potential customers. Abegail, a stay-at-home mother, began baking as a hobby and started posting her cupcakes online, through Facebook. Soon she began receiving orders and today has her own business!
Can you actually use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as a means to advancing your career? Time Magazine offers some good advice. So does Mashable and Forbes Magazine
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