In this day and age, a paper resumé and an interview aren’t the only things that contribute to landing a job. In the past five or six years, companies have started screening prospective employees by going through their social media. Depending on the employer, your social media posts can carry as much weight as a resume.
“Companies are starting to realize that if they want to be savvy in recruiting millennials and Gen Z-ers, they need to be on social media,” said Lisa Duke, assistant director for Career Services. “So, you will find social media presence for almost any major organization that would be a potential employer.”
Where are employers looking?
Examples of social media commonly used by employers are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and LinkedIn.Since many people are avid social media users, it is used as a way to gauge a potential candidate. Recruiters know there are many aspects to people, and they understand the need to share things happening in their lives. However, this may be an inaccurate method.
“I wouldn’t want to work for any company that would judge me when they see me hanging out at a bar with my friends and listening to a band,” said Duke. “But we’re talking about extreme things; things that could be deemed as offensive or something that would directly reflect on the company.”
Employers have certain things they keep an eye out for, like badmouthing your company, department or job, or engaging in criminal activities.
“Another [red flag] is illegal drug use, using racial slurs, bullying, extreme language and political views,” Duke added. “I think if you’re out there on social media and you’re just being a decent human, like not being too hateful or doing anything illegal, an employer would probably be forgiving. You might want to balance that out and do good, professional things. Maybe talk about who you are as a student and your professional goals.”
So, does this mean you’re better off not having a social media account? Not exactly. Have your accounts but be careful about what you post. If you want to go a step further, keep separate accounts for professional and personal use.
To sum it all up, don’t post things you wouldn’t want your grandparents to see.
“Just keep checking yourself,” said Duke. “If you are doing something in your personal life that will influence clear thinking, maybe you should have someone nearby who could make you reconsider.”
