How Job Seekers Can Clean Up Their Social Media Profiles

When it comes to finding, and securing a job in today’s competitive market, one of the most important things to keep in mind is just how influential social media is during the job search process. Most companies today will not only ask for links to your professional social media pages, but they will investigate you through your private social media accounts as well. With this in mind, it is important that you have a clean and appropriate social media account behind your name, and maintain an account that you would proudly show any potential employer. Here are a few tips on how job seekers can easily clean up their social media profiles.

Remove or Black Access to Questionable Photos

The first and most important thing to edit on your social media profile is your photos. If you have any questionable photos at all, or ones that could maybe be questionable, it is best if you remove or block access to them. This includes pictures of drinking. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to the photos you allow on social media. If you have too much photos of you acting inappropriately, or even out letting off steam at some bars, it can come across in the wrong way in the eyes of a potential employer.

Unfriend People Who Post Obnoxious Things on Your Facebook Wall

Most people have those friends who post obnoxious things on your Facebook wall. Whether they are making inappropriate jokes, sending your inappropriate memes or pictures or acting in a particularly controversial way (like always stating their opinions on politics) it is important that you do your best to unfriend these people. Even if it is a friend who is posting inappropriate information on your wall, these obnoxious posts still show up on your profile and are still connected to you and your image. Make sure that these type of things aren’t getting in your way.

Don’t Let People Tag You in Pictures without Your Approval

Even if you are careful about the pictures that you post, this doesn’t mean that other people won’t post pictures of you that may be inappropriate in the eyes of your potential employer. Do not let people tag pictures of you without your approval. Make sure that you are diligently monitoring the pictures that are tagged of you as well, as you never know if what someone may think is funny or appropriate may be. The wrong picture of you, tagged by someone else can be the make or break of your potential job.

Make Sure Your LinkedIn Information Reflects Your Resume Information

One of the most important types of social media accounts related to the job search process are LinkedIn accounts. LinkedIn is obviously a great professional resource for job seekers, so make sure that it is up-to-date and filled with important information that could help a potential job seeker. Your LinkedIn profile needs to reflect all of the information that is present in your resume. Your LinkedIn profile should also supplement this information as well. You are not as limited on space with your LinkedIn profile, like you are with your resume, so take advantage of the extra space and add some information about your career and experiences in order to show your prowess within your field.

If you take these additional steps to clean up your social media profile, you will be on your way to creating the type of online presence you can be proud of, and one that employers will undoubtedly be impressed by as well.