- Most employers today review potential candidates’ social media profiles during the application process
- CV expert Hillary Lisimba noted that employers are looking for candidates who have a diverse skill set and can create a positive work environment
- He explained why job seekers should not post drama about their private lives, especially relationships and inappropriate photos
Journalist Japhet Ruto of TUKO.co.ke has over eight years of experience in financial, business and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
In today’s digital environment, potential employers regularly check the social media profiles of potential candidates or employees.
Source: Getty Images
Social media can be an effective tool to promote your skills and personality, but if not managed carefully, it can also work against you.
Hillary Lisimba, a Kenyan digital journalist and Curriculum Vitae (CV) expert, explained in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke the do’s and don’ts of social media for job seekers.
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“Employers now check social media profiles during the application process to understand who they want to hire. And it’s not just employers, even potential landlords and embassies where people apply for visas to travel abroad. You might be surprised if you’re denied a visa because of a post you made years ago,” Lisimba said.
1. What should you delete/not post?
Lisimba noted that employers are looking for candidates who have a wide range of skills and can create a pleasant working atmosphere.
He stressed that people should be careful about what they post online, including political statements and inappropriate photos.
“Avoid extreme political statements that could make you appear radical. Unless you are a political scientist, be subtle in your political opinions as these are sensitive issues. Do not share posts with offensive language, discriminatory remarks or comments that border on hate speech,” he stated.
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The resume expert also noted that job seekers should avoid posting dramatic stories about their personal lives, especially relationships.
“They make you seem like someone who is emotionally unstable.”
2. Why you should not defame your former employer(s)
Don’t be negative, especially towards former colleagues or bosses.
In that case, you may not initiate any discussions or discuss any issues at your former workplace.
“No matter how bad your previous employers were, never talk negatively about them on your social media. When your potential employer sees such posts, they can see themselves in the shoes of your previous employer in a few years,” Lisimba explained.
3. How important is LinkedIn when looking for a job?
According to Lisimba, most employers today recruit their new employees through LinkedIn.
He advised job seekers to optimize their profiles so that they are easily accessible to managers.
“To optimize your profiles, learn the keywords that are common in your industry so that when someone searches for “Conveyancing expert in Nairobi”, your profile will show up in the search. Make sure your profile is complete by having a professional headline, a profile statement about yourself, detailed work experience, and your educational background. If you have PDF, JPEG, or MP4 clips, add them under Media on the profile.”
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4. Understand social media trends
There are more and more online networking places on social media where professionals meet to share ideas.
These places are a good place for employees to apply for jobs. Joining them will put you in touch with your potential employer.
“Another change is the way content is being presented lately. There’s been a big shift from text to video, a trend that job seekers should strive to keep up with,” he explained.
5. How do you increase your online visibility when looking for a job?
To increase their chances of getting a job, Lisimba says people should leverage their social media presence by networking.
In this case, make sure your social media profiles look professional, from the photos to the content you share.
“A well-curated social media profile can go a long way in helping you land a job, as it reveals things about you that a potential employer might find attractive. Show off your work. Write articles on different topics and trends if you’re aiming for a career in media. Share photos of your art if you’re looking to work in the creative industry,” he advised.
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What are the warning signs on your resume?
According to career counselor Simon Ingari, several warning signs can negatively impact a candidate’s career prospects.
Including irrelevant work experience can make your resume look cluttered and distract from your most important qualifications.
Irrelevant data includes information about your primary and secondary school education (if you went to university), your marital status, your date of birth, your religion and your ID.
At the same time, grammatical errors and typos are two of the most obvious warning signs. They can give the wrong impression and show a lack of attention to detail.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
