Dos and don’ts of social media

Most people think social media has absolutely nothing to do with their job search. That's definitely not the case. Over 50 percent of employers check out an applicant's social media profiles before hiring them. If they saw yours, would you still get the job?

Check out the job search dos and don'ts of social media:

DO

Show your personality.

Whether you're a fashionista, foodie or just want to show off your adorable puppy, share the things that make you, you. Employers want to see who you are.

Pick the safe choice.

Changing your privacy settings on your profiles is the safest bet. You never know what could slip through the cracks. Although you may be careful about what you post, tagged photos can be your worst enemy.

Use it to your advantage.

Keep your eyes peeled for things on social media that could actually help your job search. Use your network to ask friends if their jobs are hiring. Or reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter to ask job search questions or get insider tips.

DON'T

Let it all hang out.

While you want to show a glimpse into your life, not everything is for the world to see. Appropriate doesn't have to mean boring. Just follow the mom rule: If you wouldn't want your mom to see it, don't post it.

Badmouth.

As an employee, you represent your employer on and off the clock. Talking trash about your old job, coworkers or even professors will leave a hiring manager wondering what you'd say if they hired you.

Stalk the interviewer.

Researching the company, good. Cyber stalking, bad. It might sound like a great idea, but accidentally mentioning a personal detail you stumbled across isn't worth it. I guarantee it'll be weird – very weird.

Social networking can help or hurt your job search, it's all in how you use it. Now that you know the do's and don'ts of social media, share, like, and retweet away!