KILGORE (KYTX) -- If you're applying for a job, don't expect an employer to stop at your resume and references. Research shows more than half of American companies check job candidates' social media profiles when they're looking to make a new hire. CBS 19's Abby Broyles shows us what your online profile says about you and how you can clean your digital footprint.
Employers say traditional hiring tools like personality surveys are a thing of the past – research shows social media profiles like Facebook are actually more authentic. That's why your online social image could make or break your chances of landing the job you want.
They're logged in and connected for hours on any given day, but young job seekers are learning their online habits - like Facebook activity - could affect their professional futures.
Patty Bell is the director of career services at Kilgore College. She works with local employers and helps students jumpstart their careers.
"Potential employees need to be aware of the fact that employers are Googling them, they are trying to find out more about them," Bell said.
Bell says employers are digging deeper, beyond your resume because so often, potential candidates have similar qualifications. They're looking for someone who stands out.
"They narrow their prospective employees down to a certain number and they're trying to figure out, do we choose this one or that one and often times they'll go to the internet to help them make that decision," Bell said.
That's why maintaining a professional online image is key. First, look at your profile. What status updates and pictures are you posting?
"Think about, ‘what do I want these potential employers to see and know about me?'" Bell said.
For a prospective employer, so-called "venting" on Facebook or emotional posts on your profile can translate to emotional instability. Profanity can be a deal-breaker.
"If that person's willing to talk like that online to whoever sees it, that could put that employer at risk if they hire that person," Bell said.
And sometimes pictures can say more than words.
"An innocent day at the beach may not be perceived as innocent in some people's minds," Bell said.
Your best option is to adjust your privacy settings. Make your photos visible only to certain friends, and take down anything you wouldn't want seen in a professional setting. Also monitor what others are posting on your wall because who your friends are can say a lot about you.
"There are things people post that you don't have control over and if you know they're going to post something that could harm you, your reputation, then you need to just get them out of your Facebook life," Bell said.
If there is something negative about you on the web that you don't have control over, Bell says be prepared to talk about it honestly with prospective employers.
"You know something's out there that an employer may have looked at, make sure you're able to explain it during the interview process," Bell said.
And don't spend too much time updating your profile – you don't want to be perceived as an employee who could be easily distracted at work.
"You don't want to be the reason why you don't get a job," Bell said.
Your online image can also play to your advantage – you probably give a truer sense of yourself on Facebook than you do in a cover letter. Employers say things like pictures of you in a social setting show them you have a friendly personality and could work well with other people.
Job seekers, also be sure everything on Facebook or other online profiles is up to date and accurate. That means important information like your education and experience should be identical to what you have on your professional resume.
