Social Media is a growing epidemic in todays society. Specifically, it has become an issue in the job search of many Americans. Many seen with inappropriate posts on social media began struggling to find or keep a job. Business owners are looking more towards these social media sites to see if these potential employees could be an appropriate fit for their companies. As a college student myself looking towards different job opportunities, internships, or volunteer working having appropriate information on these social media sites can put these opportunities into my reach. By looking at different statistics and real life experiences of many struggling through this issue, the reader can learn more on if their social media page is inappropriate as well as how they may be able to make themselves stand out and give the best first impressions when diving into the job market. By research and looking at real world examples I hope to find out more information on how big this problem truly is as well as how it has increased over the past few years.

One man, Matt Watson, lost his job due to some post he had a blog. Watson had posted inappropriate information about customers on his blog The Bitter Barista (Lacitis). Watson then got fired for writing information about his boss while working (Lacitis). He also wrote post about his boss such as, "I like to use a loot of big words when I tweet, that way if my boss ever finds my twitter account, he won't understand any of it" (Lacitis).  He was outed by two young guys Zachary Carlsen and Jordan Michelman who were two young guys obsessed with coffee (Lacitis).   The author of this article Erik Lacitis works for The Seattle Times and has written articles since October 2003 (Lacitis). This article states the consequences of this man actions causing the termination of his employment. Due to his post on social media, it affected his entire life because he lost his job and could no longer support his family (Lacitis).

California University of PA posted a lists of dos and don'ts when it comes to social media. The university posted this through the Career and Professional Development Center which would focus on putting student out into the real world (Career Advantage). The center recommends that edit your social media from inappropriate photos and information such as photos with drugs or drinking (Career Advantage).  The center also states what employers are looking for when hiring candidates.  Many employers are looking for well-rounded individuals who have good references as well as good communication skills (Career Advantage). Along with the dos of social media the university also describes why candidates were not hired. After being screened, if potential employees lied about their resume or were caught talking badly about previous employers then their chances of being hired decrease (Career Advantage).  The goal of this article was to help students put their best foot forward when applying to job opportunities.

Jeff Lipschultz has been helping many as a founding member of A-List Solutions which is a employment consulting company that helps potential employees find jobs (Lipschultz). Lipschultz had an interview with Self Magazine and explained what really happens with potential employers when they search your social media sites.   Lipschultz explains that the hiring managers will use any information they can find on you when deciding whether or not to hire you (Lipschultz). This mean that these managers can see what your friends are putting on their social media whether or not you wanted it to be found.  Also, employers don't just look at the past couple months of your social media. Most employers will go back in history to see if there is a negative correlation or history that would change you from your resume (Lipschultz).  However, Lipschultz states that employers would like to find social media but they just want the posts to be respectable and positive (Lipschultz). Overall, the author just wants us to think before we put stuff on social media and wonder "would my next boss approve" (Lipschultz). 

Overall, there have been many disagreements on what should or should not be placed on social. With more employers looking towards social media to see what potential candidates are like out of the office, we know that social media searching is a growing issue. The goal of this research paper is to help college students or adults looking for jobs put their best foot out there when it comes to their social media. I think this is a great topic for an research and look forward to continue my research on what needs to be done to give the best first impressions to these job recruiters.

