IT Recruitment
Clean up your internet image
More and more job recruiters are looking to the internet as a source of information on potential employees. Employers search social sites such as Facebook and My Space to find out about candidates for an advertised position. It is also becoming more common for employers to advertise for recruits on these networking sites, and similarly, for people to advertise themselves for work. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that your internet image is clean and presentable.
Firstly, be aware of the information you post on your social networking site, as these pages are open for viewing to people around the world. Employers can take a close look at your private life and posted thoughts on your web page or on social sites. If you are currently working for a company or plan to search for work in a specialised field, be sure that you haven’t included any dodgy information about yourself. For example, your boss will not want to know that you have a hang-over on Monday morning! Here is a handy list of do’s and don’ts for you to be aware of:
1. Don’t post any unflattering photos and videos of yourself.
2. Remove distasteful photos and videos posted by others.
3. Get your education information correct, remember that recruiters can cross reference information found in your CV to your online details.
4. Don’t post any questionable information regarding hobbies, social life or bad behavior.
Basically the internet is an information and communication portal for everyone around the world. With the world’s technology moving in the direction that it is, it’s now necessary for individuals to maintain a good, clean and presentable internet image. Although some people might think that posting experiences and activities on the internet is fun and “cool”, remember that any information you expose about yourself is available to anyone.
Recruiters and employers are also using the internet and social networking sites to find suitable employees. From an article by Erin White – Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal – Ernst & Young launched a page on Facebook with information and discussion boards aimed at college students. This is proof that companies are finding “new ways to reach out to the college audience”.
Job searchers are using social networking sites and web sites to advertise themselves. This can be a successful and simple method of advertising yourself, by compiling good-quality information on your education, strengths, skills passions and in some cases, a video CV. Although this can be an effective method of job hunting, be aware of getting your information posted negatively on the internet. Getting your name “out there” is easily achieved when using the internet. Being cautious about the information you post will help you create a respectable online image.
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