In an era where online presence is scrutinized just as much as your resume, taking the time to clean up your social media pages has become an essential step in the job-hunting process. Whether you’re fresh out of college or transitioning careers, a polished online persona can significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.
Why Clean Up Your Social Media?
Studies and surveys continually point to the same conclusion: your digital footprint matters. An increasing number of employers admit to reviewing potential candidates’ social media profiles as part of the screening process. In fact, a survey conducted by CareerBuilder found that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process, and nearly half of all employers monitor current employees on social media.
What’s more alarming? A questionable photo, a controversial tweet, or even a thoughtless comment could be the difference between receiving a job offer and being passed over. This makes the clean-up of your social media profiles not just advisable but necessary.
Steps to Clean Up Your Social Media
1. Audit Your Accounts
Start by auditing all your social media accounts to assess the content, photos, and privacy settings on each platform. This step helps you understand what needs cleaning up.
2. Review and Update Privacy Settings
Check and adjust your privacy settings on each platform to control who can see your posts, photos, and personal information. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide comprehensive privacy settings that allow you to control the visibility of your posts. Familiarize yourself with these settings and adjust them to enhance your privacy.
3. Remove Inappropriate Content
Delete or untag yourself from any posts, comments, or photos that could be deemed inappropriate or unprofessional. This includes content that may not reflect your current values or could be misunderstood.
4. Update Profile Information
Update your profile information, including your bio, profile picture, and job history, to ensure accuracy and professionalism. Use a clear and professional profile picture.
5. Unfollow Irrelevant Accounts
Unfollow or unfriend accounts that no longer align with your interests, values, or goals. This step can help declutter your feed and maintain a more focused online presence.
6. Curate Your Content
Carefully curate the content you share going forward. Post thoughtfully and consider how your posts reflect your personal brand or professional image.
7. Google Yourself
Conduct a Google search of your name to see what information is publicly available about you. Address any discrepancies or outdated information if found.
8. Engage Positively
Engage with your connections in a positive and professional manner. Like, comment, and share relevant content to build a strong and constructive online network.
9. Regular Maintenance
Make social media cleanup a regular practice. Set aside time periodically to review and update your accounts to ensure they align with your personal or professional brand.
Tools and Best Practices
Several tools can help you audit your social media presence more efficiently. Apps such as BrandYourself and Social Sweepster are designed to flag potentially damaging content on your profiles.
Start today by auditing your online presence, cleaning up your social media, and curating content that showcases your best professional self. Remember, in the digital age, a clean social media profile can be as crucial as a polished resume.
