Cleaning Static Social Media Posts and Dynamic Posts

There are two kinds of Social Media posts.  The first is static social media posts which includes all the material in your digital portfolio that basically never changes: a social media profile (not the feed), ebooks, a non-personalized landing page, a social media or banner ad, and a pre-recorded webinar.  The second is actual dynamic posts that can be added and changed. Both are important when it comes to cleaning up your companies social media presence.

Social media has revolutionized the way we present ourselves to others. Now, we have the opportunity to share everything thing we do, every thought we have to everything we eat with hundreds or thousands of people with just a click of a button. A digital communication theory would define this as self-disclosure, which describes how you characterize yourself digitally. Take a look at your social media accounts. While your social media accounts may display all the exciting things you do, would you say that you would want your boss to see these posts? According to a CareerBuilder survey, 60% of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates, which is up from 52% last year and 11% in 2006. It’s time for a social media spring/summer cleaning.

While CareerBuilder states that “most hiring managers aren’t looking for negatives,” an experienced hiring manager or human resources professional uses social media sites to continue their research on you. The survey states that 6 out of 10 employers are “looking for information that supports their qualifications for the job.” Study your profiles. Does your social media presence reiterate the qualities boasted on your resume? If not, consider changing or deleting some of your posts. If you want to put your best foot forward, why not include your social media platforms too? Another 53% of hiring managers are looking to see if you have an online presence. In 2016, it is now a little suspicious to not have some sort of digital presence. A basic Facebook page will do the trick.

Depending on what the hiring manger finds on your pages can either help or hinder you. According to the survey, the following things found on a profile were the most hurtful to the candidate:

• Provocative or inappropriate photographs, videos or information – 46%
• Information about candidate drinking or using drugs – 43%
• Discriminatory comments related to race, religion, gender, etc. – 33%
• Candidate bad-mouthed previous company or fellow employee – 31%
• Poor communication skills – 29%

While pieces of this seems like common sense, just think before posting. On the other hand, social media can actually help give you a boost if applying for a job. A hiring manager can just as easily find positive things about you online. In the survey, 32% of hiring managers stated that they found information that help persuade them to hire the candidate, such as:

• Candidate’s background information supported job qualifications – 44%
• Candidate’s site conveyed a professional image – 44%
• Candidate’s personality came across as a good fit with company culture – 43%
• Candidate was well-rounded, showed a wide range of interests – 40%
• Candidate had great communication skills – 36%

Let your social media profiles provide evidence and explanation about your character and who you are. And, always remember to think before you post.

If your company needs help with handling static social media posts or dynamic ones or any aspect of social media you might need some outside help. Here are some options.