Is it True That Employers Screen Your Social Media Accounts?

It's true, more and more companies are turning to social media as an employee screening method. According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 60 percent of employers currently use these types of websites to vet candidates.

The comprehensive survey shows what many job seekers already know — potential candidates need a sharp public image and personal brand to compete in the contemporary labor market. Employers simply use the social media tools they have on hand to see if potential hires might present personality conflicts, clashes with corporate culture or poor self images. Companies want to ensure their brand perception remains intact, and one employee can ruin that perception for customers.

Industry Break Down

Some industries vet social media profiles more regularly than others. As many as 76 percent of HR managers in IT and tech companies, or those firms that use technology as a major part of their business model, use social websites as an employee screening method. This makes sense since tech companies tend to have a highly visible presence online.

Up to 65 percent of sales companies and 61 percent of financial services firms also use social media to vet employees. A wayward post from a manager or executive at a firm can cost a company clients, customers or credibility, so people must tread carefully when using these communications tools. Therefore, businesses look for certain personality traits through profiles and posts made on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and the like.

What Employers Want

Verifying someone's qualifications is the number one reason companies look to social media to find out more information about a prospective employee. As many at 60 percent of respondents cited qualifications as the main purpose, while 53 percent of companies search for someone with a professional online persona. Just 21 percent of companies try to find dirt on a potential hire, so anyone who feels a bit paranoid can relax about the reasons why firms value this type of information.

It's All About the Fit

Companies simply want to know if a candidate is the right fit for the position. New hires do the same thing — they research a firm online through its website, LinkedIn connections and social posts to find out if they want to apply for a certain job or make connections . The same is true in reverse, and there's nothing wrong with that. People who post ideas, photos and opinions in public view should do so carefully, judiciously and professionally to avoid embarrassing situations that might cost them a career opportunity.

Social media is a tool neither side can ignore as a vital tool in contemporary hiring practices. Job seekers can use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to create a personal brand that companies discover during the job search process. This marketing concept helps businesses find the right people for the right positions, and these websites can provide a crucial link between employees and employers.

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