Clean Up Your Social Media – 8 Steps

45% of Hiring Managers will review your social media accounts!

In preparation for your next “real” job take a minute to review your social media accounts. Odds are that your new employer does not have the same affinity for dark or cynical humor that most of us have and, to be honest, what was once funny to us, may not be funny anymore. Times change and we mature. It may be in your best interest to remove the post or lighthearted joke – it may may not be received well by hiring managers. There may be initial resistance to this concept, and I understand BUT our goal is simple, get the highest paying job possible and live a highest quality life – keep your eye on the prize.

1. Make Your Accounts Private

Let’s start here in case companies are already looking at your social media. Simply go to your settings and choose only “friends” to see your activity.

Also, if you really want your profiles to remain personal, maybe only accept friend requests from people you know and not anyone in your professional network, like old bosses or co-workers.

That said, if you want to remain public, you should…

2. Hide or Delete Any Inappropriate Posts

These posts don’t need to go away completely! You can always archive Instagram photos, save Snapchats to memories, hide content from your Facebook timeline, or set your settings to “Only me” so certain posts are private.

3. Deactivate Old Accounts

Like your middle school YouTube account that’s been floating on the internet for far too long. If you wouldn’t care to revisit your teenage self, you probably don’t want hiring managers to, either.

Don’t take any chances, once you complete your scrub Google yourself and see what comes up!

4. Add the Right Photos

Your picture is literally the first thing hiring managers see when they find you online.

No need to get a professional headshot, but make the effort to post a professional profile and cover photo that are easily visible. Do not leave either blank and do not use avatars!

5. Add a Professional Bio

This is the best way to introduce yourself. Take the time to express your interests, what makes you unique (other than your cynical humor) and why you are the right person for the job.

If you are not sure how to write a bio this article can help you author the perfect bio for each platform.

6. Edit your Handles and URLs

Because a custom url takes less than a minute to create, and looks far more intentional.

7. Post Industry-Related News, Quotes, or Articles

Post, share, or retweet anything related to the industry you’re in or want to be a part of. When a hiring manager sees that the mission of their company falls in line with your own brand, they’re even more likely to consider you for a position.

8. Follow Inspiring People and Companies

Blogs, news sources, and any other website you love count, too! This tells managers what you’re passionate about, which leaders you admire, and what trends you’re up-to-date on. As weird as it may seem, we also are who we follow.

Here are some Twitter and LinkedIn influencers we recommend.

Lastly, make smart social media choices. Before you post something, contemplate whether it matches the online presence you wish to uphold.

Think of it this way: If a hiring manager brought it up in an interview, would you be able to explain why you posted it?