Wait The Hiring Manager is Actually Checking my Social Media?!

I am sorry to break the news. Yes, most likely, a hiring manager is checking your social media.  

Is that a good thing for you? OR would that lead you to not landing the job? 

When we make information publicly available, hiring managers can review it. 

Side note: The HR Manager must be careful not to discriminate against their findings, but some major red flags would be hard for a hiring manager to look past, such as:  

Major Social Media Red Flags 

• Illegal activities posted online 

• Talking inappropriately about a past employer  

• Posting something very negative about your industry  

Would You Hire Yourself Based on a Quick Search? 

A good way to check and see what the hiring manager will find when they search for you is to Google yourself! What do you find? Are you proud of how this represents you? Remember, they see both your posts and the items you're tagged in! 

If you aren't proud of what appears, change your privacy settings, untag yourself from some posts, remove that old political post you're now embarrassed about, and then Google yourself again. 

Remember, your social media presence could also get you hired! We often think of hiring managers reviewing our social media as creepy and annoying. However, this could be the ultimate thing that lands you in your dream job.  

Major Social Media Green Lights 

• You are very engaged in the industry, commenting and sharing supportive, thoughtful replies.  

• You just completed a training course that you didn't mention on your resume  

• Your personality seems to fit their company culture  

• You're sharing posts about or from the company you want to work for  

• Recommendations and positive comments from colleagues and friends  

The Power of LinkedIn  

We chatted about social media, but let's focus on LinkedIn for a moment. The hiring manager will likely review your LinkedIn profile. So, make it something you're genuinely proud of. And if you don't have a LinkedIn profile yet, now's the perfect time to create one. 

Some items to make sure you have updated on your LinkedIn profile:  

• Headshot  

• Work history / Experience  

• Summary  

• Key accomplishments 

• Training / Certifications 

• Education  

• Volunteer Causes  

When was the last time you posted on LinkedIn? Check and see; if it hasn't been a while, put something out there!  

From Red Flags to Green Lights: Building a Strong Social Media Presence  

By addressing any red flags, showcasing your industry engagement, and maintaining a polished LinkedIn profile, you can leverage your social media presence as a valuable tool for career growth. A strong online presence showcases your professionalism, expertise, and personality, making you a more attractive candidate. 

Ultimately, hiring managers seek a well-rounded individual who aligns with their company's culture. Take control of your digital reputation and ensure it works in your favor. Follow AgCareers on socials for more tips!