What does your social media footprint reveal about you?

The recession has changed the way many people seek and find employment and new business opportunities.  Third parties such as recruitment agencies are being sidelined by companies unwilling to pay fees and candidates tired of being treated as a number on a database.

Employers and job seekers are starting to use online networking sites to find each other and start a dialogue.  However, the increased use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can have its drawbacks.

4 out of 10 HR managers in the UK have chosen not to hire a candidate as a result of a negative online profile, according to research by Microsoft.

In the survey of 1000 HR professionals, 64% said they thought it appropriate to search the web for information on a person before recruiting them, and 41% admitted to rejecting candidates on that basis.

The challenge as a candidate is to manage your social media footprint with agility.

Being too formal on Facebook won't endear you to your school / university friends, yet discretion is the key if you want pass a future employer's scrutiny.  Better to opt for LinkedIn, a business social network where you can build a career based profile and learn from peers and mentors.

I am convinced that should Microsoft run a similar survey in 6 – 12 months time, even more HR managers will be snooping online.  Take steps to protect your online profile – there is a big difference between online visibility and online credibility!

Recrion specialises in Career and People Management.  For more information on seminars and 1:1 coaching on Social Networking for Career Success contact us on 01780 484910 or visit our website www.recrion.co.uk.