Social media isn’t just about sharing memes and staying connected with mates anymore. It’s become a powerful career tool that can either open doors or slam them shut before you even know they existed.
Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok or crafting the perfect LinkedIn post, every digital footprint you leave could be shaping your future job prospects. Think of your online presence as a 24/7 billboard advertising who you are – and employers are definitely taking notice. In this blog, we’ll take a quick look at how social media posts could have both positive and negative effects on your future careers.
The reality check: What employers are really doing
“Social media posts can reveal a more honest view of an applicant than what they might share during an interview.”
Marlene Allen Murray, Business Litigation Attorney at Fennemore Craig
As far back as 2018, a CareerBuilder study of over 1,000 employers revealed some eye-opening statistics:
- 70% of employers said they use social networking sites to research job applicants during hiring process
- 28% say they use social media to gather more information before calling in a candidate for an interview
- 47% say that if they can’t find you online, they’re less likely to call you for an interview
- 20% of prospective employers polled said they expect applicants to have an online presence
- A whopping 54% of companies admitted to eliminating a candidate based on their social media fee
In 2023, Zippia research painted an even clearer picture:
- 57% of job seekers use social media to find job opportunities
- 73% of job seekers aged 18-34 found their latest job through social media
- 84% of organisations use social media for recruitment 67% of employers research potential candidates on social platforms
- 94% of recruiters use social media to find and vet candidates
- 71% of hiring managers believe social media profiles effectively screen applicants
As Jeff Williams from Paychex puts it:
“It’s 2023, and what is posted on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter – and even Facebook for the nostalgic – is an accessible, non-invasive way of gaining insight on your candidate.”
What exactly are they hunting for? Here’s the breakdown:
- 58% said they’re looking for information that supports your qualifications for the job
- 50% are looking to check your professional persona
- 34% are checking to see what other people have posted about you
- 22% are looking to see if there are any reasons not to hire you.
And Queros found in 2024:
- 57% of job seekers surveyed used social media to look for jobs
- 73% of millennial job seekers (aged between 18 and 34) have found their latest job through social media
- 84% of organisations use social media for recruitment
- 67% of employers use social media sites to research potential job candidates and learn more about their professional and personal achievements
- 70% of managers have successfully hired through social media and built a more inclusive workforce.
Ultimately, what this means is that if you’re still in high school and are thinking about future career goals, it’s going to be worth your time creating an online presence, even if it’s just a professional account that you only use as job prospecting tool. Otherwise you could find that you’ll miss out on opportunities.
The pitfalls: When social media works against you
Your digital reputation could mean more than you think – here are the main ways social media could affect your career prospects.
Inappropriate content
Those party photos from last weekend or that rant about your boss might seem harmless in the moment, but they’re creating a permanent record of poor judgement. Employers aren’t looking for saints, but they do want evidence of maturity and professionalism.
Questionable conduct
This extends beyond your own posts – being tagged in situations involving illegal activities or poor decision-making can raise red flags about your character and judgement. Even if you weren’t the one posting, association can be damaging.
Poor communication skills
These shine through in every typo-riddled post and aggressive comment thread. If you can’t communicate respectfully online, why would an employer trust you with their customers or colleagues?
Values misalignment
This can happen when your online persona clashes with a company’s culture. That edgy humour or controversial opinion might not mesh with their workplace values, no matter how qualified you are.
The harsh truth? Over a third of employers (42%) monitor current employees’ social media, and 70% have disciplined or fired staff based on social media misuse in the workplace – meaning your digital behaviour doesn’t stop mattering once you land the job either.
The opportunities: Making social media work for you
On the flip side, there are lots of way that social media, used appropriately, could help you to show yourself as a credible, proactive, forward thinking, and showcase your expertise or work experience, connect with other industry professionals, and ensure you stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities.
Showcase your professionalism
Platforms like LinkedIn can help you make a good first impression online. This isn’t just about listing your achievements; it’s about demonstrating your ability to communicate professionally, engage thoughtfully with industry content, and present yourself as someone worth investing in.
Engage with industry-specific content
This can help you position yourself as a keen and informed future professional. Following thought leaders, commenting meaningfully on posts, and sharing relevant articles shows you’re genuinely interested in your chosen field, not just looking for any old job.
Build your personal brand
Consistently share content that aligns with your career goals: if you’re passionate about environmental science, share articles about sustainability. If marketing excites you, engage with digital marketing discussions. Your online presence should tell a coherent story about who you are professionally.
Network strategically
Use social media as a way to connect with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. Social media breaks down traditional barriers, allowing you to learn from people you’d never otherwise meet. But remember – quality connections beat quantity every time.
Discover opportunities
There are some opportunities online that might never appear on traditional job boards. Many companies share openings on their social channels first, and building relationships online can lead to insider knowledge about upcoming roles.
Your action plan: Taking control of your digital story
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry – transforming your online presence doesn’t require a complete digital makeover overnight. Start with these practical steps.
Audit your current presence
Google yourself and review all your social media accounts through fresh eyes. If you wouldn’t be comfortable with your headteacher or your Grandma seeing a post, potential employers probably won’t be thrilled either.
Update your privacy settings
Remove anyone you don’t recognise from your friends list and be more selective about who you accept in future. You should also limit who can tag you in posts so that you’re not unknowingly or unwillingly associated with content that might not sit well with others.
Create separation
Consider using a nickname for personal accounts while using your real name for professional platforms. This isn’t about being fake, it’s about being strategic.
Think before you post
Ask yourself: “Would I be happy for this to represent me in five years’ time?” If there’s any doubt, don’t hit publish.
Be proactive
Take some time to curate your professional presence. Share achievements, volunteer experiences, and insights about your interests. Show potential employers the ambitious, thoughtful person behind the application.
Work social media to your advantage
Social media isn’t going anywhere, and neither are employers who use it to evaluate candidates. Rather than seeing this as a threat, view it as an opportunity to stand out from the crowd in all the right ways.
Remember, every post is a choice. Every comment is a decision. Every share is a statement about who you are and what you value. Make sure they’re all working towards the future you want to create. By being professional, respectful, looking for relevant content, building a positive personal brand, and networking, you’ll be able to harness to power of social media to your advantage.
