In the modern era , hiring managers have made checking a potential hire ’ s social media activity a key part of the evaluation process . Some of them will even scan this information before reading the rest of a résumé .

So , it ’ s more important than ever to ask yourself how yours shapes up . Will they find suggestive , crude or otherwise embarrassing content there ? Pay attention to what you ’ re posting , but also keep in mind that social media activity from long ago could still be accessed .

Posts and pictures in the public domain can make or break your chances of getting that interview you so desperately sought . Here ’ s how to better manage social media and put yourself in the very best light .

CONSIDER YOUR CONTENT

Social media gives us a chance to stay connected with family and friends , but remember that it can also become a part of a broader evaluation process during

your job search . Content featuring vulgar language and lewd pictures sends the wrong message to prospective employers who conduct basic internet searches hoping to find out more about you . Stay positive , and they ’ ll see you as a can-do candidate who isn ’ t afraid to tackle new challenges .

INFORM YOUR FRIENDS

You might have that one buddy who likes to share off-color jokes or speak in

casually inappropriate ways . Ordinarily , that may not matter . You ’ re in a long-term employment situation , and the current management team is familiar with your work .

But you ’ re starting over when beginning a job search , and these associations could come into play as a new company makes its evaluations . Now ’ s the time to let everyone in your friend group know that you ’ re looking for work , so they ’ ll need to tone it down . ( If your boss doesn ’ t

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know you ’ re looking elsewhere , you may want to ask that your followers refrain from mentioning that , too .)

Pay close attention to your interactions with them , as well . Hiring managers and recruiters can see what they ’ re posting to your wall — and what you ’ re engaging with , too .

TRY SOMETHING NEW

If you don ’ t want your personal social media page to become quite so professional ,

consider joining job-posting or industry-focused sites such as LinkedIn . They attract people like you who are seeking employment , as well as recruiters and others looking to make a new hire . If you ’ re only on Facebook , try branching out to other social media options like Twitter or Instagram . They each can have their own distinctive audiences , and that might lead to a new connection — and that new job . Establishing a presence across several platforms also shows prospective bosses that you ’ re comfortable with technology and emerging trends .

IF YOU CUT BACK

Some job candidates might decide that managing a lifetime of past tweets , shares and likes is just too cumbersome . Others may simply prefer the style or approach of one social media option over another or decide to take a break from online conversation . In any case , you can always ditch an account — or even all of them . Just be aware that sometimes that process takes a while to complete .

Disappearing entirely from these spaces can also impact your job chances , since you won ’ t be as visible to outside companies looking for new employees .