A recent study found that nearly 70% of employers check social media profiles before extending a job offer. This means that if you’re looking for a new job, you need to be aware of what your social media presence looks like. Employers are interested in seeing if you are a good fit for their company, and they will use your social media to make this determination. This article will go over how employers do social media background checks and what you can do to make sure your profile is clean.
1. What employers are looking for when they check social media
Many employers will check an applicant’s social media accounts before extending a job offer in order to get a better sense of who the applicant is and what kind of person they are. When they check social media, employers are looking for several things, including evidence of good character, relevant work experience, and a professional demeanor. Social media can also be a red flag for employers if it reveals evidence of bad behavior, such as making offensive comments or engaging in illegal activity. In short, employers are using social media to get a more complete picture of job applicants, and it’s important for applicants to be aware of this when they’re creating their online presence.
2. How to clean up your social media profile
If you’re looking for a job, you need to make sure your social media profile is clean and professional. That means no drunken party photos, no political rants, and no wall-to-wall selfies. Instead, focus on creating a profile that highlights your best qualities and accomplishments. Start by updating your header photo and adding a short bio that explains who you are and what you do. Then, take a look at your posts and delete anything that could be seen as negative or unprofessional. Once you’ve cleaned up your profile, take some time to add new content that will show potential employers that you’re a great candidate for the job. Post articles related to your industry, share interesting infographics and interact with other users in a positive way.
3. Tips for creating a positive online presence
One of the best ways to create a positive online presence is to blog regularly and post relevant informative content. This will not only help you attract attention from potential customers, but it will also help you build authority and credibility in your industry. Additionally, it’s important to be active on social media and regularly engage with your audience. By frequently interacting with others online, you’ll create relationships and build goodwill, which can only help you in the long run. Finally, remember to keep your online presence positive and professional at all times. Avoid making negative or inflammatory comments, and never post anything that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.
4. The consequences of having a negative social media profile
Unfortunately, a negative social media profile can often be enough to disqualify a candidate from consideration. In some cases, a negative social media profile may reveal information about the candidate that would give the employer pause. For example, suppose a candidate for a sales position has a history of making derogatory comments about customers on social media. In that case, it’s likely that the employer will conclude that the candidate is not a good fit for the job. In other cases, a negative social media profile may simply reflect poor judgment on the part of the candidate.
5. How to protect your privacy online
It’s become increasingly important to be aware of the ways in which your social media presence can impact your chances of getting hired. You can take a few simple steps to protect your privacy online and ensure that your social media background check doesn’t hurt your job prospects.
First, take a close look at the privacy settings for each of your social media accounts. If you’re not comfortable with an employer seeing certain information, make sure that it’s hidden from view. Nevertheless, be thoughtful about what you post online. Even if your account is private, remember that potential employers can still see anything you share.
Second, consider creating separate professional and personal social media account. This way, you can control what information potential employers have access to, and you can still maintain a personal life without worrying about the consequences.
Third, be aware of the way you present yourself online. If you wouldn’t want your boss to see it, don’t post it. And finally, remember that social media is a tool, not a requirement. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of potential employers checking your social media, you can always opt out of using it altogether.
So there you have it. Social media background checks are becoming more and more common, and employers are getting better at using them. If you’re job hunting, make sure your social media presence is clean and professional. It could be the difference between getting hired and being passed over.
