- January 21, 2021
- martijn@websiet.nl
- 0
Are you looking for a new job? Then you must checking your connections on LinkedIn, checking out your Instagram page and reading tweets. During your job application, you probably use your social media frequently. Employers and recruiters also do this when they are looking for new employees. It is good to know what you can and cannot do during your application process.
To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are”
Luke Schouten
Do’s when you’re applying for a new job
1. Google yourself
Start by googling yourself. To get the cleanest possible results, search in incognito mode (Shift, Control, N). What comes up? An old Twitter account? Photos you’d rather not think back to? Ask yourself if you want a recruiter or your future employer to see these photos, videos and texts. If the answer is no, delete them.
2. Show that you are available
Show that you are available. It may sound obvious, but this is quite often skipped. Employers and recruiters need to be able to see as soon as possible that you are looking for a new job. Let them know this on social media. On LinkedIn there is even a special (blue) button for this. You can find it on your profile under your name.
3. Be original
I am looking for a new challenge’. How many times have you seen that one? Be original in the way you show that you are available. For example, post something about the type of challenge, what exactly you are looking for and why. In other words, what makes you excited to do a certain job?
4. Post regular updates
Make sure you post your updates regularly on your active social media channels. This way employers and recruiters can get a good impression of you at the moment. LinkedIn is the best medium for this. Have you followed a course in the meantime? Show it immediately on your LinkedIn profile.
5. Expand your network
Expanding your network is always useful, also online. So make connections with people in your field of interest. You can also join Facebook groups. On LinkedIn you can follow discussion groups or even respond to relevant blogs, videos or articles by experts or let them know your are looking a new job.
Don’ts when you’re applying for a job
1. Delete all drunk and semi-nude photos
That nice photo of you dancing around with a beer in your hand is best taken down. It seems so logical, yet this still does not always happen. Think very carefully before sharing an outing photo or a slightly too naked vacation picture.
2. No vacation photos on LinkedIn
Yes, this also still happens. Post a business picture on your LinkedIn. Choose a recent photo. Make sure you have a quiet background, a relaxed posture and let someone else take this picture. You don’t want a selfie as your LinkedIn profile picture.
3. Don’t create ambiguity
You don’t want recruiters to be confused by the different information on your channels. Make sure all the information is the same everywhere and that it matches your CV. Use the same company names and job titles online and offline and also use the same business photo everywhere. This way recruiters won’t be taken by surprise.
4. Never be negative about previous employers
When you get fired or have another bad experience with a company, some people tend to share this on social media. This is an absolute no go. For future employees, this is a reason not to hire you. What if you start talking negatively about them in the future too? Therefore, keep your opinions to yourself. No matter how difficult it might be.
Would you like to be well prepared for your job application?
Then take a look at the various training courses offered by assessment-training.com. They offer various types of training courses that will help you make a difference. Do you want to know more about assessments, read the our advise about assessment tests and business cases.