PNP’s - Do you have a positive online image?

Is your social media helping or hurting your PNP employment opportunities?

According to an article published by Staffing Industry Analysis, potential employers DO research candidates through social media….but is it helping or hurting employment opportunities?  Social media can be a great way to express your personality, connect with businesses, research events, and stay in touch with friends and family, but there is also the potential to portray a less-than-stellar image to potential employers.  CareerBuilder published a survey in June 2013, stating that “43 percent of hiring managers who currently research candidates on social media found information that caused them not to hire a candidate — up 9 percentage points from last year.”  Reasons for not hiring potential employees included, provocative/inappropriate photos, information about drinking or drugs, bad mouthing previous employers, poor communication skills, discriminatory comments, and false qualifications.        

As an advanced practice provider, there is little to no room for a substandard image.  If you do partake in social media, ensure that you are making a positive online impression.  Keep it tasteful, don’t badmouth others, and express your creativity in a sophisticated manner.  Watch your privacy settings so that you know who has access to your profile, but beware that even privacy settings have loopholes.  Careerbuilder’s survey also revealed that 1 in 5 employers did find positive features in a candidate’s social media that caused them to hire a candidate…so don’t be afraid to express your personality, just ensure it’s done in a tasteful manner. 

Visit the NAPNAP Career Guide for more advanced practice job search strategies.  For pediatric advanced practice jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group.                
References:  Careerbuilder.com, staffingindustry.com

To inquire about PNP jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com