In recent years, social media has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. People use it for various reasons, including connecting with friends and family, networking, and staying updated on current events. However, what many people do not realize is that social media can also affect their job prospects.
Employers are increasingly looking at social media activity as a factor in hiring decisions, as it provides a window into an individual’s personal life and character. For example, an employer may look at a candidate’s social media profiles to see if they have a professional demeanor or if they engage in behavior that could harm the company’s image
The 2020 survey by The Harris Poll found that 70% of employers believe every company should screen candidates’ social media profiles during the hiring process. This involves researching a prospect’s social media profiles and their activity, including what they post, like and comment on. The three main platforms that employers check are Linked In, Facebook and Twitter. Employers view Linked In as a secondary resume, and some even post jobs on Linked In. When checking a candidate’s Facebook or Twitter, their aim is more to get a sense of them as a person than to look for damaging information.
Employers are looking for information that supports a candidate’s qualifications, so it is important to keep social accounts clean and up to date. It is also important to showcase positive personality traits on your social media profiles to be an effective applicant, as one negative impression could disqualify you from a position. It is not a good idea to delete your profile, as it doesn’t guarantee the data is gone.
John Calabrese, an Express Employment Professionals franchise owner, encourages job seekers to keep their social media accounts current to reflect their current work experience and accomplishments. To optimize their digital job search, it is important to Google yourself regularly and set up Google alerts. Additionally, creating multiple, separate social media accounts on social media platforms can help improve your chances of getting hired. To make your profiles private, consider creating at least one account for professional purposes and keeping personal accounts private.
In conclusion job seekers should be aware that their social media presence can have an impact on their job prospects, and should strive to create a professional and up-to-date online presence to increase their chances of landing their dream job.
