Social Media & Your Job Search: Friend or Foe?

Kick On Recruitment
Sep 11
2 min read

In today’s digital age, social media is more than just a space to connect with friends or share your latest holiday snaps – it can be a powerful tool or a potential stumbling block in your job search.

Employers are increasingly turning to online platforms to learn more about candidates before making hiring decisions. What they find can influence whether you land an interview or miss out altogether.

The Reality: Employers Do Look You Up

A recent study by CareerBuilder found that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates and nearly half (48%) of employers admit they have rejected applicants based on what they discovered online.

Your online presence is now an extension of your CV and sometimes, the first impression you make.

The Risks: When Social Media Hurts Your Chances

What you post publicly can raise red flags for potential employers. Common reasons candidates are rejected include:

Inappropriate or offensive content
Evidence of unprofessional behaviour
Posts that contradict a CV or job application
Negative comments about past employers or colleagues

Even something as simple as poorly chosen profile pictures can create the wrong impression.

The Opportunities: When Social Media Works in Your Favour

On the flip side, a strong online presence can set you apart from the competition. Employers also use social media to look for:

A positive, professional online persona
Evidence of skills, knowledge and passion for your industry
Creative projects, blogs or portfolios that showcase your talent
Engaged networking within relevant professional communities

For example, LinkedIn profiles with a professional photo receive up to 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages, according to LinkedIn data.

How to Manage Your Digital Footprint

Here are some simple steps to take control of how employers see you online:

Audit Your Profiles
Search your own name and see what comes up. Adjust privacy settings where necessary.
Clean up Old Content
Delete posts, photos or comments that no longer reflect the image you want to project.
Be Consistent
Make sure your job titles, dates and achievements match across your CV, LinkedIn and other professional platforms.
Showcase Your Expertise
Share industry news, write posts about your field or engage in relevant discussions.
Build Your Brand
Think of your social media as your personal marketing tool. What do you want employers to think of you?

Final Thought

Your social media presence is no longer separate from your career, it’s part of it. Employers can (and will) look you up, so making sure your profiles reflect your best self is essential.

The good news? With a little attention and consistency, social media can be a powerful ally in your job search.

Take five minutes today to audit your profiles. Ask yourself: If a future employer looked me up right now, what would they see? If the answer isn't 'professional and employable', its time to tidy up.

Passionate about people. Passionate about horses. And passionate about helping you find your dream role.