Does your social media profile really impact your job search? Have you ever wondered how much importance employers place on social media accounts when evaluating candidates? Should they place importance?
In today’s job market, employers pay attention not just to your CV and interview performance, but also to your social media profiles. While private accounts might not be scrutinised, it’s safe to assume that publicly accessible profiles, especially LinkedIn, will be viewed by potential employers.
Let’s see what the research says:
Do employers really check candidates’ social media profiles?
48% of employers state that they review candidates’ social media profiles for suitability. (CareerBuilder, 2024).
Why do they look?
70% of employers believe that a candidate’s social media profile creates a first impression. A professional and well-organised profile can leave a positive impact during the hiring process. (CareerBuilder, 2024).
Are personal posts taken into account?
57% of employers say they assess a candidate’s character and cultural fit by examining their social media accounts. (Jobvite, 2024).
Can a social media profile lead to rejection?
34% of employers report having rejected a candidate due to negative content on their social media profiles. (Jobvite, 2024).
In short, the importance of your social media profile in the job search process is increasing. You may prefer to keep your personal life, opinions, and comments private, be less active on social media or to keep your profile private. However, remember that a well-managed and professional profile can significantly positively influence your hiring prospects.