Facebook ......3.5 million HR accidents waiting to happen!

Are you ready to be recruited from Facebook?

We have blogged on this topic a few times over the last year, but we can’t emphasis enough that companies are fast realising the great benefits of having a presence on social media networks to connect with potential job candidates. This is an opportunity for them to brand their organisation, communicate with you and start building relationships, with the intention to hopefully interest you in applying for a job with them.

They are also viewing profiles of candidates and assessing them as potential employees. Are you ready to be recruited this way? What does your social media profile say about you?

Consider who has access to your profile and what you post on your profile. Is the information consistent with how you present in the workplace or in a job interview? There have been many examples where existing employees have been disciplined for their actions in the workplace, and where evidence was sourced or identified directly from Facebook. So, before you next post that you trashed the company car by taking it off road for some bush bashing, took a sickie because of a hangover or took company property, think again. Also consider your profile name. If your name is inappropriate or suggests certain inappropriate activity (eg the Truck Driver who’s profile title was “Spliffboy”), this too can create hesitation for the recruiter. Don't allow foolish online behaviour negatively impact your career opportunities.

Our tips to Jobs seekers:

• Get involved in social media; there are amazing career opportunities to be accessed by doing so. Try Facebook and LinkedIn in particular.
• Beware what you are saying and who can view your account. If you don't want your comments to impact your career prospects, close your account to the public. Be mindful of how many contacts you have too.
• Maximise the opportunity to be found by potential employers via your social media networks, but manage your online footprint.