Social media screening has become increasingly popular among recruiters and employers recently. Phillipa Geard, CEO & Founder of RecruitAGraduate, says “While traditional background checks remain a crucial component of the hiring process, the rise of social media has made it easier for recruiters and employers to gain insight into a candidate’s personality, values, and behaviour outside the workplace. We look to see if a candidate is likely to fit in with the culture and values of the organisation from their social media posts.”
Why do recruiters and employers use social media screening?
Recruiters and employers use social media screening to assess candidates' suitability for a role beyond their resume and cover letter. By reviewing a candidate’s social media profiles, employers can gain insight into their personal life, values, and behaviour and assess whether they would be a good fit for the company culture.
Social media screening can also help employers identify potential red flags that may not have been picked up during the traditional background check process. For example, derogatory comments about previous employers or colleagues could indicate a lack of professionalism and respect. At the same time, posts about illegal or offensive behaviour could raise concerns about a candidate's judgment and ethics.
Tips for making your social media profile suitable for potential employers:
- Conduct a personal audit of your social media profiles: Before you start applying for jobs, look at your social media profiles from the perspective of a potential employer. Consider deleting any posts or comments that could be seen as offensive or unprofessional.
- Review your privacy settings: Review your privacy settings on all social media platforms and ensure that sensitive information is only visible to people you trust. Consider removing any posts that are publicly visible and could be seen as unprofessional.
- Think before you post: Remember that potential employers can see anything you post on social media. Before posting, ask yourself whether it could be seen as offensive or inappropriate. If in doubt, it’s best not to post at all.
- Consider creating a professional online presence: Consider creating a professional online presence that showcases your skills and experience. This could include creating a LinkedIn profile or a personal website that highlights your achievements and demonstrates your expertise in your field.
- Google yourself and see what posts and images come up about you. Actively work to keep activity professional.
Social media screening has become an increasingly important part of the hiring process. As a job seeker, it’s important to ensure that your social media profiles are suitable for potential employers. By conducting a personal audit of your social media profiles, reviewing your privacy settings, thinking before you post, and creating a professional online presence, you can ensure that your social media presence reflects your professionalism and suitability for a role.
Register with RecruitAGraduate today to get immediate job alerts.