A recent study by online reputation manager Reppler revealed that 91% of professional recruiters screen the social media profiles of potential employees. Of these recruiters, 76% reported that they view a candidate’s Facebook profile.

If you are looking for a new job, consider what your social media profile says about you. What does it say to your current employer and colleagues? It may be time to do some spring cleaning on your social networking profiles.

Here are some tips to help you maintain a positive personal brand:

1. Upload a professional looking headshot as your profile picture. While babies, puppies and kittens are cute, potential employers want to see a picture of you. Make sure the lighting is in front of you and you have a nice background.
2. Watch those status updates. It’s easy to be Negative Nancy on Facebook because you are talking to your friends. Be careful about posting those negative opinions. According to the survey, 11% of applicants were rejected because the person posted negative comments about a past employer. Also, save your political and religious opinions for private conversations with your friends.
3. Proof your status updates. Typos show a potential employer that you have poor communication skills and that you don’t pay attention to detail.
4. Make sure your qualifications are accurate. Be truthful about your past work experience and education.

Cleaning up your personal brand can definitely make a difference in your job search. A robust social media profile shows that a candidate is a self-starter and has an appetite to engage. Your social media presence is your brand, and you can easily maintain a strong and positive brand by watching what you do and say online. Don't let a moment of carelessness ruin your future career possibilities!

Below is an infographic from Reppler that shows how employers are screening job applicants.

FletcherPR is a national communications firm that specializes in reaching women through the power of media. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN with staff in Nashville & Los Angeles, we are a full-service agency providing strategic public relations, social media and marketing communications services to our clients throughout the U.S.