Job Search Tip: Check Your Social Selfies

People searching for a job, especially those in the creative industry, need more than an impressive resume and portfolio, according to new research from staffing firm The Creative Group. Sixty-three per cent of advertising executives and 44 per cent of marketing executives said they search online for information about prospective employees at least some of the time.

The Creative Group is a part of professional staffing firm Robert Half International.

And if hiring managers don’t like what they see, applicants could be removed from the running. Almost half (48 percent) of advertising executives and more than one-quarter (26 percent) of marketing executives have decided not to extend a job offer to a candidate based on what they uncovered online.

Advertising and marketing executives were asked, “How frequently, if at all, do you use Google or another search engine to learn additional information about a prospective hire?“

	Advertising Executives	Marketing Executives
Always	29%	18%
Sometimes	34%	26%
Rarely	15%	26%
Never	20%	26%
Don’t know/no answer	1%	3%
	99%*	99%*

Advertising and marketing executives who said they search online to learn additional information about a prospective hire were also asked, “Have you ever decided not to hire a candidate based on information you found online?“

	Advertising Executives	Marketing Executives
Yes	48%	26%
No	51%	74%
Don’t know/no answer	2%	0%
	101%*	100%

*Responses do not total 100 due to rounding.

View an infographic of the research highlights.

“Creative job seekers often spend so much time perfecting their resumes and portfolios that they overlook their overall online presence,” said Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group. “But your digital footprint can affect your employment prospects, too.”

Domeyer noted that hiring managers aren’t just looking for red flags when Googling job candidates. “A strong online reputation can be a career asset and give you an edge over the competition. In addition to removing questionable content, use the opportunity to showcase your skills, expertise and interests and reinforce your personal brand.”

The Creative Group offers five tips for creating an online presence that works for and not against you:

Be careful what you share. What happens on the internet, stays on the internet. Whether it’s an unflattering photo or off-putting remark, the saying rings true. Use discretion when publishing content online, including social media.
Put your skills on display. A digital portfolio is a must for today’s creative job seekers. Build a website or use a hosting platform to showcase work and passion projects, and include a link on your resume.
Offer your insights. Show that you know your stuff by commenting in relevant forums or authoring online articles in your area of expertise. Doing so helps establish your credibility and dedication to the industry.
Moderate your content. While a sparse online presence may be underwhelming, hiring managers don’t need to know everything about you. Sharing too much information, too often, can cause employers to question your focus and character.
Stay on top of the task. Building and managing your digital footprint shouldn’t be limited to when you’re job hunting. Protect your professional reputation at all times to ensure you’re always putting your best self forward.

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