In January 2023, Harris Poll conducted a survey on behalf of Express Employment. Express Employment is one of the leading global staffing providers. The survey found that more than 60% of the companies in Canada screen a candidate’s social media account before offering them a job.
Four in ten businesses (41%) claim they have discovered something on a candidate’s social media that led them to decline an offer of employment because of it.
Refining social media accounts should be a priority if you are also looking for a job. Some employers might check how you portray yourself on social media early in the process, while others might wait until the final stage of the hiring process.
What Are Companies/ Employers Looking For?
Jessica Culo, the owner of numerous Express Employment Professionals, asserts that there are some things to watch out for as a newcomer on social media. Further, she said that when a company looks at the candidates’ social media accounts, they are looking for the ‘Red Flags’, like unethical, polarizing posts or extreme comments or images on the profile.
In addition, she asserts that some Canadians and newcomers might not grasp that strong political or religious views. As a result, this can send an image that may turn off the employers. Well, the prominent issue for someone who might have fled an unstable political environment is more inclined to take part in political debates and interactions.
Well, this not only applies to the LinkedIn profile, which employers typically view to get a review of your professional experience. Potential employers are likely to check your other social media accounts as well.
Social media monitoring does not come to a standstill after being hired. The Harris Poll data shows that over 86% of employers would fire employees for posting inappropriate content on their social media accounts. Most employers define this as damaging the company, revealing confidential data, or promoting illegal drug use.
Culo suggests keeping social media accounts private wherever possible. Personal profiles prevent potential employers from viewing your content.
Things To Watch Out For
Keeping a few things in mind might be helpful if you keep your social media accounts public. Firstly, spelling and grammar are essential. This is because it affects the validity and credibility of your posts.
Moreover, you must think about creating a personal ‘brand’. Contemplate the image you wish to have and what you want your brand to be. For instance, your Facebook profile must not represent your ‘unprofessional self’, while your LinkedIn profile represents you as a ‘professional’. The posts must not contradict one another. It’s best to be consistent across all platforms.
Finally, embrace social media as a means of finding employment. There’s no reason to be intimidated by social media. Instead, you can use it to connect with employers l that you wish to work for. It can definitely be a powerful tool. But you must know how to use it responsibly, with intent and discipline.