You’ll narrow down your options. You’ll know yourself better. You’ll avoid applying for unsuitable jobs. You’ll avoid surprises. You’ll improve your communication skills, and be a better candidate.
When employers see how your background information supports your qualifications for the job, you look like the real deal. Forty-two percent of employers liked the idea of being able to validate a candidate's experience by checking him or her out on social media. Make sure your LinkedIn and other social network profiles are consistent and match your résumé.
What you say in your bio and on social profiles provides hiring managers with a glimpse of your professionalism. Thirty-eight percent of employers were impressed with the professional image presented by a candidate's site. Use a high-quality photo (preferably a headshot) with a neutral background that's free of distractions, such as pets or people.
You say you have excellent communication skills, but how can you further provide proof? Thirty-seven percent of employers said social network profiles and status updates offered evidence of great communication skills. As with your profile, punctuation, spelling and grammar are important in tweets, too. And remember to behave appropriately online.
In a similar CareerBuilder survey of more than 2,000 hiring and HR managers last year, 40 percent of employers selected candidates who seemed well-rounded on their profiles and social media updates. Share your volunteer involvement and other activities that show how you enjoy spending your free time. However, avoid mentioning controversial or extreme interests.
Employers often seek candidates who can think outside the box. Thirty-six percent of the employers in last year's survey said a candidate's creativity on social media made a difference in the hiring decision. Show off your creative abilities online by displaying an infographic résumé, using new technology or posting clever status updates.
Thirty percent of companies liked seeing references posted about a candidate, according to the 2014 survey. Unsolicited or nonreciprocal recommendations are powerful. LinkedIn allows you to display recommendations within your profile, so be sure to ask a boss or happy customer to write one for you.