Evaluating
Many folks would not think that this would be an option for employers but, yes, they can do a background check on their applicants on the Web. This is the Information Age, and we have begun tapping into what technology and information can do combined, albeit this age is also commonly known as the Digital Age (others would rather call it the Wireless Age).
Since information is just a click away, employers and recruiters would take the easy option of surfing the Internet and looking for information on their applicants and candidates. With this development in many companies and businesses, especially businesses that specializes in computer and information technology, applicants and job-seekers should be aware of the potential, and the downside, of having a profile online.
For employers and recruiters, this process has unloaded a great deal of manual work for them. When information is automated, not only can they save time by surfing online for background checks but they can also generate more in-depth analysis from an applicant’s profile. There are some things that can be seen in the online profile that is not visible in the resume. Resumes can be stiff and limited, whereas looking at profiles at Facebook, for example, can give the employers and recruiters more information about you.
Online profiles give out not just facts about a person but also his interests and preferences. Blogs will also help the employers understand the applicants better because blogs can show their personal side. From what is written, employers and recruiters can deduct whether you are well-rounded, intelligent, flexible, etc.
In building your profile online, here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Build up your profile with meaningful contributions to the community.
- Make use of your knowledge and experiences and post them in.
- Hook up to a lot of friends and acquaintances. Do not add strangers if you have no connection with them whatsoever.
- Write and post more for more visibility in the search engines and to the public
Be sure not to post any photos that can ruin your impression (e.g. Drunken photos, nude photos, very foul language, etc.).
- Tell your friends to do the same and ask them not to pass you photos, videos, or comments that are not pleasing for the visitors (and the employers).
You can opt not to have an online profile. But in this day and age, when the Internet and technology is used more than the usual manual labors, having an online presence is a thumbs-up for employers and recruiter. If you are nowhere in the Web, they would deem that you did not have that much of an impact on your past jobs, not enough that you would be recognized by the public.
