Almost everyone has some form of social media nowadays, whether it be to keep up with the latest news, or to keep in contact with friends and family, it is a way in which people are able to interact.
Many job seekers are unaware that potential employers will search them on social media platforms during the recruitment process.
The main social media platforms used are Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, however it isn’t uncommon for others to be searched during the recruitment process.
Surprisingly, around 95% of employers will look at a potential employees social media when undergoing the recruitment process, and it is highly likely that your social media will greatly influence your chances of getting a job.
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/social – The university of Sheffield has a useful video on how employers use your social media.
Social media is a platform which allows a job seeker to keep up to date with any available job in their desired field, and can possibly act as a tool for interacting with potential employers and companies.
Employers can do a google search on you during the recruitment process, which will direct them to your social media pages and any papers which you may have published.
The ability for an employer to do this allows them to get a better understanding for the type of person you are, and whether you are right for the particular job.
Through studies, it has been found that a large number of employers won’t even interview a potential candidate if they have a limited form of social media – this highlights the impact that social media can have on your career.
With social media greatly influencing your employability, you want to ensure that it promotes some professionalism about yourself and the type of employee you would be.
There are many tips and tricks which may increase your chances of being employed, and sometimes your profile may even interest potential employers depending upon who you follow.
Social media is a great way in which people can interact with potential employers and keep up to date with the relevant jobs, but it does, however, have some negatives to it as it could deter an employer from hiring you.
This talk gave me a better understanding as to how potential employers use social media during the recruitment process.
Personally, I don’t have Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, which worries me as now I know how much social media can impact the likelihood of getting a job.
It has made me think about the need to develop a platform on Twitter and Facebook as it will allow me to research potential employers, and possibly keep up to date with their current research.
As I am hoping to obtain a career in biotechnology, I think it is important to keep up to date with the relevant research in this rapidly expanding field, and the current projects which companies are taking part in.
Emily's Blog 