CV preferred over social media profiles

CV preferred over social media profiles

CV preferred over social media profiles: Despite the growing use of social media to profile candidates, HR managers still want to see a traditional resume.

Most HR managers do not believe social media profiles on sites such as BeKnown, Facebook, and LinkedIn will replace the CV anytime soon. Candidates should know that the strength of their CV will get them to the interview stage.

“Despite popular belief that a social media profile is a new CV, we’re finding that traditional CVs continue to be an important and valuable part of the application process.”

Social media profiles do need attention to ensure they are accurate and aligned with a candidate’s brand as they are being viewed by potential employers.

Of the HR managers surveyed by Robert Half, 30 percent use social media to find candidates, 20 percent use it to communicate with candidates, and 19 percent source references for candidates.

CV preferred over social media profiles

“You never know who is looking you up online, which makes it extremely important for job seekers, as well as those currently employed, to pay attention to their online footprint.”

From ‘liking’ a certain brand on Facebook to complaining about an organization that has provided bad customer service to offering an interesting point of view to industry discussions occurring online, candidates need to consider how their behaviors online may positively or negatively impact a potential employer’s impression of them.

CareerOne has previously reported on two cases in the United States where employees lost their jobs because of clicking on the “like” button on Facebook.

Tips for unique personal branding

• Always ask someone to proofread your CV to ensure it is free of errors.

• Check your social media profiles to ensure details of your skills and career history are consistent with your CV.

• Tweak or change your CV for each job you are applying for.

• Google yourself to see what information is there about you and ask friends, family, and other contacts to remove or change unflattering or incorrect information that can be viewed publicly.

• Double-check cover letters and email correspondence to ensure you are using the correct employer name and details. Candidates applying for multiple jobs risk leaving another employer’s name on correspondence when applying for the next role.