How Social Media Screening Shapes Recruitment Decisions
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For most people social media has traditionally been viewed as a platform for sharing matters pertaining to more private spheres of their life with friends and family and following subject matters they are interested in. In this way, it has been regarded as a medium that is very much separate from their professional lives and one where they feel safe to express themselves freely, without the care and constraints of their work roles.
However, in recent times, this distinction has become less clear as an increasing number of employers review candidates’ social media profiles during the recruitment process. According to recent figures, as many as 70% of companies use social media to research potential candidates, as unlike a resume or a job interview, a social media profile can reveal insights about a candidate, helping employers make more informed and successful hiring decisions. In this article, we will explore some of the ways social media screening is shaping recruitment decisions in modern hiring practices.
A Glimpse into Their Personality
A social media profile can offer a more candid glimpse into a candidate’s personality than the one presented in a professional or interview setting. Rather than a polished persona which is carefully curated to appear likable, professional, and right for the job, a social media profile can offer an unfiltered and more well-rounded presentation of a person.
This can often work to a candidate’s advantage, showcasing attributes that can make them ideal for a role such as their teamwork, independence and a zest for life. However, the contrast may also be true, for instance, where signs of argumentativeness or rudeness are apparent.
Identify Red Flags
As an employer, it is essential that the people you hire uphold the values and ethos of your organization and conduct themselves with the level of professionalism you would expect them to, both inside and outside the workplace.
By using a screening service like Triton Canada, employers can spot potential red flags such as offensive language, derogatory comments or violent behavior which can reveal misalignments with their company's professional standards and culture. According to latest research, 55% of employers who use social media screenings said they have found content that caused them to not hire a candidate. In this way, such screening can assist employers from hiring candidates who may compromise their organization’s reputation and security.
Confirm Skills and Experience
Social media screening can help to verify a candidate’s skills and professional experience as presented on their resume. For example, a candidates’ social media profile may reveal their achievements and contain articles or thought-leadership content they have produced which showcase their expertise in a particular field. This not only confirms their skills and experience but also highlights their passion and dedication to their work, which is something employers value and look for when hiring.
Sites such as LinkedIn also often include detailed work histories, endorsements, and recommendations from colleagues or clients which can further validate the accuracy of a candidate’s claimed skills and experiences.
As social media screening becomes the norm in recruitment, employees should be more discerning about their online content, ensuring they make a good impression to potential employers.