Let's Talk Careers

How Social Media Affects Your Job Prospects

Adapted from Study Work Grow: "How Social Media and Your Job – Does it Matter?"

Social media today is more than just entertainment - it’s a powerful career tool that can influence whether doors open or close for you. Employers are increasingly turning to platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok to build a fuller picture of candidates beyond résumés and interviews. Your online presence has effectively become a 24/7 billboard of who you are.

What Employers Look For

A 2018 CareerBuilder study revealed that 70% of employers use social media to research candidates, and nearly half may skip interviewing someone who is invisible online. By 2023, Zippia reported that 94% of recruiters and 84% of organisations were using social platforms to both source and screen applicants. Employers aren’t just assessing professionalism; they’re also checking whether your online persona aligns with their company culture and sometimes searching for reasons not to hire you.

The most common red flags include inappropriate content, signs of poor judgement, weak communication skills or a values clash. And it doesn’t stop once you land the job, 42% of employers monitor staff online, with 70% admitting they’ve disciplined or even dismissed employees for social media misuse.

Turning Social Media into an Advantage

Despite those risks, social media also offers strong career opportunities. When used strategically, it can showcase professionalism, highlight expertise, and position you as informed and engaged in your chosen field. LinkedIn is an effective space for building a personal brand, networking, and staying on top of industry trends. Sharing relevant articles, engaging thoughtfully with posts, and connecting with professionals can help you stand out for the right reasons.

Managing Your Digital Presence

Shaping your digital footprint begins with a self-audit: search your name and review all your accounts. Update privacy settings, separate personal and professional profiles, and think carefully before you post. A simple test is to ask, “Would I want a future employer to see this in five years?”

In today’s job market, every click, share and comment contributes to your professional story. Make sure it’s the story you want employers to see.

Mrs Sharan Tagore

Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning