Social Media Lock Down
Kent R.
Today, a quick post about the intersection of social media and job hunting. I get asked repeatedly about the need to "scrub" social media accounts when searching for a job. I have severely mixed feelings about this but will keep it very simple because the reality of the employment landscape makes it my response necessarily simple.
Recruiters, hiring managers and interviewers will likely use your social media accounts to make determinations about you. Even if it illegally figures into an employment decision (because it's done casually or, perhaps, off the record), it will happen.
Do not serve up another reason for these reviewers to eliminate you. Remember, with loads of people applying for every position, that's what they are looking to do – thin out the pool of candidates.
Bottom line... I hate that this invasion of privacy can have such a detrimental effect. Even more, though, I hate that candidates are sailing along as if drunk pictures of themselves on Facebook and Instagram don't matter.
People are looking at your social media accounts when making employment decisions. Act accordingly.