Yahoo News Why your LinkedIn picture may be stopping you get a job
Getting a new job can sometimes feel like an uphill battle in this ever-demanding climate, but there is one really important thing that could be holding you back from snaring that dream step on the career ladder – and it could be staring you right in the face, quite literally.
A new study has revealed that having a selfie on your LinkedIn profile could actually be putting future employers off from saying those all-important words: "You're hired."
In fact, when asked, a whopping 88 per cent of hiring managers said that they felt a selfie on an online CV was "unprofessional". Out of the same 2,186 people asked, 58 per cent even went as far as to say they would not hire someone who had specifically used a selfie on the professional networking site LinkedIn.
Richard Mavers, director of group marketing and online strategy from Envirofone, which carried out the study, said: "First impressions count, and it's easy to assume that showcasing your best self(ie) on LinkedIn will impress potential bosses.
"However, recent research revealed that job candidates who use selfies on professional networking sites don't go down well with employers."
Mr Mavers did, however, say that one exception could be made: "While a professional headshot is always advisable where possible, a selfie where you are dressed professionally is a good alternative, with 66 per cent of respondents rating this as an acceptable option for a LinkedIn profile," he explained.
Meanwhile, the research also discovered that 60 per cent of future employers check out a candidate's social media accounts before deciding whether to offer them a job or not.
So basically, think very carefully about what you're posting on Twitter – especially when it's 10.56am and you're supposed to be hard at work in your current job.
Mr Mavers says: "While we have the freedom to use social media to voice our thoughts and opinions, it is wise to bear in mind that anyone can see these posts – including your potential new boss.
"It's now common practice for employers and hiring managers to use social media to screen candidates' Tweets and Facebook posts to see if they would be a good cultural fit within the company.
"Previous research has shown that posts about drug use, discriminatory remarks, and bad mouthing previous employers and colleagues, have resulted in otherwise ideal candidates being turned down for a job."
If you're panicking and considering a social-media blackout while job hunting, how about this for an idea?
Mr Mavers has suggested setting up two different Twitter profiles, one for your professional life and one for your private goings on. Plus, make sure your Facebook is completely private.
But he adds: "The best way to prevent damaging your career is to not post anything which you wouldn't want your boss to see."
Don't say you haven't been warned.
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