What impact does your social media image have on finding a job?

In today’s world, social media is playing an increasingly important role in the recruitment process. Recruiters are no longer limited just to reviewing CVs and cover letters – they are also increasingly checking candidates’ profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Your online image can determine whether or not you are invited to an interview and even if you get the job.

According to research, as many as 70% of employers look at candidates’ social media profiles before making a hiring decision. They often look for information that can validate your skills, professional commitment or assess whether you fit into the company culture. In this article, we will explain what aspects of your social media presence can influence recruiters’ decisions and how to effectively manage your image to increase your chances of being hired.

Ready to find out what should be on your profile and what is better to avoid?

Why is social media image important in recruitment?

Nowadays, social media has a wider function than just a tool for communicating with relatives. It has also become a space in which we shape our professional image, and this can play a key role in the recruitment process. Recruiters are increasingly using sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to get to know candidates better.

Why is this important? Social media provides additional information about your personality, interests and lifestyle, and these can directly influence employers’ decisions. The public profile becomes a business card which can both highlight your skills and discourage further contact if it contains content that is inappropriate or inconsistent with company values. It is therefore worth ensuring that your social media image supports your career goals.

What do recruiters check most often on social media?

When recruiters look at candidates’ social media profiles, they do not do it randomly. They usually aim to find specific information that can help them better understand the person behind the CV. It’s worth knowing what catches their attention so that you can prepare your profiles accordingly and avoid potential pitfalls.

Your public visibility and privacy settings

First of all, recruiters check what is publicly available. It is a good idea to review your profiles and make sure that public content is neutral or professional. Privacy settings should be adjusted to limit access to more personal information to close friends only.

Content and images you publish

Party photos, controversial posts or vulgar comments can negatively affect your professional image. Recruiters pay attention to whether the content you post reflects a professional attitude and values in accordance with the company culture. Instead, you should focus on content that demonstrates your professional interests and commitment to personal development.

Consistency with CV and professional profiles

Social media profiles should be consistent with the content you present in your resume. If your work experience and skills are different on LinkedIng than they are on your CV, this may raise doubts with the recruiter. It is important that your details are up to date and present your competencies clearly and truthfully.

Interactions, likes and comments

The way you interact with others online also says a lot about you as a person. Recruiters can see what comments you leave under posts, who you discuss with and how you form your opinions. Inappropriate comments, aggressive statements or liking controversial content can have a negative impact on your application. It is therefore worth to monitor your interactions and avoid anything that may raise doubts about your professionalism

How do you build a positive image on social media?

In order for your online image to support your chances of getting hired, it is crucial to actively ensure that you take care of your profiles on various platforms. It is worth focusing on a few basic principles that will build your image as a professional and increase your attractiveness in recruiters’ view.

1. Update your professional profiles

Ensure that your profile on LinkedIn is always up to date. If you were involved in a project, add details, such as what tasks you performed. Share a link to your portfolio or post information about a new certification you’ve just obtained. An updated profile attracts the attention of recruiters and shows that you are constantly developing your skills. If you are planning to change jobs, an updated profile will significantly increase your chances of finding new offers such as those available in our database.

2. Share valuable content

Publish articles or posts about new trends in your industry on your profile. You can comment on a current event, or share your thoughts on industry news by creating engaging posts on your own. It is also a good idea to share articles and expert opinions, further enhancing your image as an active professional.

3. Adjust privacy settings

Protecting your online privacy does not mean that you have to completely hide your private life. However, it is worth ensuring that information that may adversely affect your social media image is only available to your closest family and friends. Check your privacy settings on all the platforms on which you are active. On Facebook, you can create a list of close friends and only share private content with them. If you use Instagram, set your profile to private or control who sees your posts. An example of good practice is to restrict access to personal photos from holidays or events. This will ensure that only information that positively contributes to your professional image, such as posts about your interests or achievements, is publicly visible.

4. Build a network of professional contacts

Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, are a great tool for networking with other professionals. It is a good idea to add new people to your network on a regular basis, especially those with whom you have worked or who may have a connection to your industry. For example, once you have completed a project, you can invite colleagues to become friends or follow people who are publishing valuable content in your field. LinkedIn is a great place to establish professional relationships, but you can also use other platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, depending on the industry you are in. Remember that it’s quality, not quantity, that counts – try to build relationships with people who can contribute to your development or from whom you can learn.

By implementing these simple practices, your social media image will be consistent, professional and positive, which can effectively support your career.

What to avoid to avoid building a negative image on social media?

While building a professional image is key, it is equally important to avoid actions that can lead to a negative perception of you online. Even one inappropriate post or photo can damage your employability.

1. Avoid posting controversial content

Any posts about politics, religion or controversial social topics can influence your image on social media. Even if you have strong convictions, it is worth exercising restraint in your public posts, as recruiters may interpret such content as too extreme or inappropriate.

2. Don’t share too personal information

Your professional profile should reflect your professional competence and interests, not your private life. Publicly sharing personal problems, family conflicts or health issues can introduce unnecessary doubt about your professional stability and responsibility.

3. Watch out for pictures and comments

Your online image is also shaped by what you post in comments and what photos you share. Party photos, overly casual or inappropriate jokes can negatively affect the impression of you. It’s also worth monitoring how you interact in newsgroups – negative, aggressive statements can put off potential employers.

4. Following controversial pages

Likes on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter also speak volumes about your interests. Recruiters can see what content you like and follow, so it is important to avoid following pages that may be controversial or promote inappropriate values.

Managing social media appropriately is the art of balancing privacy and transparency. Properly managing the content you share will help you avoid building a negative image and increase your chances of being seen positively by recruiters.

How to take care of your social media image after being employed?

Once you get a job, it is worth remembering that your social media image still matters. What you post can be observed by superiors, colleagues or clients, regardless of the industry you work in. Maintaining a professional online image helps you maintain a good reputation and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

1. Remember that your online image can influence the perception of the company
   Your behaviour on social media, even outside of working hours, can be associated with where you work. Inappropriate comments or controversial content can affect not only your reputation, but also the view of your company
2. Maintain authenticity and professionalism when dealing with other employees
   Once hired, we often add colleagues to our social media friends. It’s worth remembering to still maintain moderation and professionalism, even in private conversations or groups. Your interactions can reflect on you as an employee.
3. Regularly check your privacy settings
   Ensure that your old posts, photos and other content do not negatively impact your online image. Check what is visible to the public and limit access to more personal content to close friends only.
4. Control the content you share
   Even after you’ve been hired, it’s worth being aware of what you publish. Controversial posts, event photos or unprofessional comments can affect how you are perceived. Maintaining a consistent, positive image on social media can help you later in your career.

Nurturing your self-image on social media is an important part of building trust and professionalism that can support your professional relationships, wherever you work.

Summary

Your social media image is increasingly important in the recruitment process and can directly affect your employability. Taking care of what you share online, regularly updating your professional profiles, as well as consciously managing your privacy settings, can significantly improve your perception in the eyes of employers. Remember that your online activity is also part of your career, so take the time to present yourself professionally.