EDITORIAL: Sensible Socializing
Students need to take social media seriously
As students transition into the professional world, social media websites change from a place to share experiences with friends to a way employers measure candidates in the job market.
It is imperative that members of our generation use social media responsibly.
The 2014 Social Recruiting Survey performed by Jobvite found that 93 percent of recruiters will look at a candidate's social profile on LinkedIn or Facebook before making a hiring decision. Employers look for examples of a person's work, professional experience and determine if the person is a fit for their workplace.
Posting photos of a crazy night out or tweeting about a professor you dislike might seem harmless. It also could be off-putting to potential employers.
When facing a difficult job market, students need to be conscious that the employer at their dream job will be looking at their social media. Students need to make sure those sites are representing them in the best way.
That means not only refraining from posting inappropriate material, but also keeping tabs on what other people are posting about you. Employers will be just as turned off by a picture you've been tagged in as they would by one you posted yourself.
Students can use social media to their advantage.
Students should fill their news feeds with academic and professional accomplishments, update their LinkedIn profiles and steer clear of inappropriate photos or tweets.
Cleaning up social media sites will be especially helpful to students as February is Fire Up Your Career Month. Central Michigan University Career Services is hosting career fairs and employer spotlight programs throughout the month, continuing with an employer spotlight featuring Symmetry, Inc. at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 in the Grawn Hall Lobby.
You are in control of your own social media and how they represent you.
You have to choose what kind of first impression you want to make.
