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Cleaning up your Facebook

Summer is just around the corner – and so are interviews for internships and jobs.

At job interviews, we all try to put our best foot forward. That means looking the part, dressing to impress, designing an eye-catching resume and giving a firm handshake.

But none of that’ll matter if before your big interview if your potential employer has already creeped pictures of you doing keg stands or dancing in your underwear on your Facebook profile.

It’s scary but true – more and more modern employers use Facebook to get an impression of potential hires.

In 2006, a CareerBuilder.com survey of over 31,000 managers found 11 per cent use social networks like Facebook to screen candidates. By 2008, this doubled to 22 per cent with an additional 9 per cent saying they also plan to start using the technology.

By 2011, those numbers have likely risen.

Almost every student uses Facebook, so how do you make your profile employer-friendly? Follow our tips to clean up your presence on the world’s most popular social network – and maybe even use your profile to stand out from the crowd.

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1) A picture says a thousand words

I know, I know – those body shots you did on vacation over Reading Week were a bit out of character. But if that’s the first picture your potential employer sees when they peruse your Facebook, it might leave a worse taste in their mouth than yours after that 13th shot of tequila.

According to that CareerBuilder survey, 41 per cent of managers said inappropriate photos or information would reflect poorly on a potential hire.

So first off, clean up those albums and start untagging yourself in pictures that don’t reflect a somewhat professional character.

And above all – lose the booze. Even though it’s your “spare time,” looking like a constant drunk on Facebook will make some employers see you as a derelict, not an all-star. Pictures of you inside a bar won’t ruin your character, but snapshots of you doing something unsavory in a bar will.

2) Watch what you say

Status updates are a great way to tell friends what you did last weekend or what you think of the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother. But when it comes to rants about your old boss, Facebook isn’t the place.

CareerBuilder found 28 per cent of managers would be turned-off by someone badmouthing a past employer or co-worker. Leaking confidential information is also a huge (and obvious) no-no.

But even non-job-oriented status updates and wall posts can have a negative effect. Applying for an editing gig? It’s probably a good call to use proper spelling and grammar. And unless you’re applying for a child care position, it’s likely best to avoid childish behavior like saying “omg how r u 2day” and constant smiley faces.

3) Amp up those privacy settings

Most of us have had our Facebook profiles for years – so good luck completely cleansing it of anything embarrassing. Sometimes the best bet is just to censor it entirely.

To increase your privacy settings, head to the top right corner of your Facebook page then click on Account, then Privacy Settings. The “Friends Only” setting is the safest way to ensure only your inner circle of trust sees your personal profile.

But if you head to the “Custom” panel, you can customize every single setting and exclude only those people you want – like, perhaps, a future boss.

4) Use Facebook to gain quality face time

While the potential downsides of having a Facebook profile should be pretty clear by now, having a presence on the social network can also gain you bonus points in your job hunt.

Once you’ve adjusted those privacy settings accordingly, why not allow employers a controlled little window into your world?

For one, choose a profile picture that best represents you – since that’s all employers will see when they try to creep you if your privacy settings are high. This doesn’t mean getting a professional headshot in a suit, but it does mean having a flattering photo versus one that suggests you’re immature or a party animal.

You can also start “liking” pages for things that might peak an employer’s interest. If you’re applying for a marketing job, for instance, it might be a good call to like some top branding and marketing magazines.

In addition, why not add some spice to your profile through what you already enjoy doing? Your profile can be professional while reflecting your personality, so show off your favourite music, activities or sports. You never know – if your boss loves Arcade Fire, you might win points if they see you’re a fan of their latest album.

A word to the wise, though: don’t lie. If you haven’t read “Atlas Shrugged”, don’t make it one of your favourite books – otherwise it’ll look pretty bad when you don’t get why your employer jokingly asks, “Who is John Galt?” in your interview.

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