How Students Can Use Social Media to Attract Employers

Infographic Highlights the Importance of Maintaining a Professional Online Presence

Buffalo, N.Y. (December 17, 2012) – Bryant & Stratton College today released an infographic explaining how employers use social media to search for and screen potential candidates. Entitled “Professional Use of Social Media Sites for College Students and Graduates,” the infographic serves as a powerful resource for professionals who are looking to get an edge in the ever-competitive job market. The infographic can be accessed here.

According to data from The Huffington Post, 92 percent of recruiters currently use or plan to use social media as a means of searching for job candidates, making it increasingly critical for individuals to present themselves more professionally online, especially when they are on the hunt for a job.

“Employers have started to tap social media as a resource for identifying and recruiting talent,” said Shawn Kampa, Director of Relationship Management at Bryant & Stratton College. “It is absolutely crucial for professionals to manage their online reputation, not only to make themselves visible to potential employers, but also to make sure they aren’t portraying themselves in a way that might hurt their chances of getting hired.”

Research has shown that many employers now use social media as a way to screen potential employees for undesirable characteristics. It is more important than ever for job seekers to make sure their online presence doesn’t give employers the wrong impression.

According to a survey of employers, social media posts that include the following behaviors can negatively impact a candidate’s chances of employment:

• References to illegal drugs (78 percent of employers)
• Posts of a sexual nature (66 percent)
• Use of profanities in posts (61 percent)
• Spelling and grammar errors (54 percent)
• Pictures depicting alcohol consumption (47 percent)

To view the full infographic, which includes information on how to protect one’s online reputation, visit Career Services.

The “Professional Use of Social Media Sites for College Students & Graduates” infographic was produced by the Career Services Department at Bryant & Stratton College. The Career Services Department aims to educate students and graduates on the latest hiring trends and help them take advantage of these trends to increase their chances of getting hired. The department also helps students and graduates develop their resumes, prepare for job interviews, and search for jobs in their field.

Bryant & Stratton College has been preparing students for a lifetime of career success for more than 155 years. Bryant & Stratton College offers bachelor’s, associate’s, and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, technology, legal, business, and graphic design. Every degree program has been specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s employers and give students the skills they need to make a difference in the workplace.