Social Media Job Hunting Tips for Recent Graduates

The day you officially don the cap and gown of graduation marks the start of a new journey into the “real world.” But, before you begin that job hunt, some proverbial “housekeeping” is in order to ensure that you put your best foot forward.

College professors and mentors teach resume preparation and interview acumen, but they often fail to mention one critical activity that can dictate your professional future: How to wipe your social media image clean.

According to Joshua Waldman of CareerEnlightenment.com, thirty-six percent of managers determine a potential employee’s “fit and personality” from his social media profiles, and almost 80 percent of hiring managers and recruiters look at applicants’ online information before they make contact.

That said, it’s imperative that you take a “fine tooth comb” approach to your online activities past and present–before the job hunt is underway.

Here are five things you must do before your job hunt is underway:

Google yourself.

Check Facebook and Twitter activity.

Establish a professional presence.

Familiarize yourself with LinkedIn.

Pave two roads.

http://www.mint.com/blog/how-to/social-media-job-hunting-tips-for-recent-graduates-042012/