Love posting your wild parties and comments for all your followers to see? Well they aren’t the only ones watching. There’s a good chance that your future employer has taken a look at your account. And in some cases, your content on social media can affect your job opportunities.
Do Employers Check an Applicant’s Social Media Posts?
Yes, a high percentage of employers check an applicant’s social media. Be it negative or positive, your social media presence could give them a sense of your character. Although it’s not the deciding factor in the hiring process, it could influence their decision.
Can Social Media Affect Your job Opportunities?
We get it, your online accounts are for your personal use. And for many, it’s a place to joke around. But if that’s who you really are, are you the perfect candidate? If you display a negative image, your social media can affect your job opportunities. These include:
- Inappropriate Photos
- Rude Remarks and Posts
- Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
- Complaining About Your Previous Employers
- Bullying Others Online
- Lying About Previous Jobs and Experience
Inappropriate Photos
Opting to wear a suit during the interview? Well if you have inappropriate photos online, it could paint a different picture. Being professional in and outside of the workplace could work in your favor.
Rude Remarks and Posts
If you love to stir the pot, you’re in for some bad news. Employers seek candidates who are respectful and able to work well with others. Rude posts could make you seem unprofessional.
Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Non-verbal communication is important in every workplace. Whether you are writing reports or sending a professional email. Poor spelling and grammar could show that you aren’t able to communicate effectively and clearly.
Complaining About Your Previous Employers
Now this is a big no-no. Not only in an interview, but on social media as well. This could highlight that you’ve had issues at your previous job. You may seem like a difficult employee.
Bullying Others Online
Respect plays a big role in every workplace. But if you’re able to bully people online, will you respect your teammates? You could come across as problematic to a possible recruiter.
Lying About Previous Jobs and Experience
You shouldn’t believe everything you read online. But if you lie about your experience and previous jobs, it could undermine your integrity. Even if you’ve made it to the interview.
Should Your Social Media Matter in the Hiring Process?
Yes and no. Your qualifications and experience should take centre stage. But keep in mind, your character and representation of yourself plays a huge role too. Your social media could be a look into your personality before employers have even met you. If you come across as negative, recruiters may question your interpersonal skills.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Is There a Plus Side to Your Social Media Activity?
Definitely! When used correctly, it can become a tool that will boost your career. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. You can still live your best life online and create a positive image of yourself. Platforms like Linkedin create a space where you can interact with professionals and employers.
Swipe Right to our Courses
Apart from showing off your gorgeous pictures online, study our courses and showcase your skills. We offer a range of courses that will help you reach your goals. Interested in learning more? Contact our course experts today. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27 – it’s free
- Fill in our contact form for a call back