The 21st century has surely been defined by social media. Today, almost everyone has some sort of social media presence, be it active or not. And even for those who are not active posters, the highly evolved algorithms and analytics that are now available means that the only true way to stay off the grid is to not own any sort of device with internet connectivity.
While social media is mainly used as a sharing platform, both professional job seekers and hiring specialists are now leveraging its vast potential. Today, it is not uncommon for both to to spend an ample amount of time on social media sites to boost their hiring efforts.
The benefits of social media within the hiring process cannot be understated. While it is most commonly used by companies for promotions and marketing, Social media sites are also a medium informing job seekers about current job openings. Employers that use social media for recruitment purposes are able to target a broader market of potential candidates for their job positions.
Red Flags
Unfortunately, social media is not all sunshine and roses. For the most art, it is also a platform for free speech, which is a good thing. However, when it comes down to hiring and background checks, organizations should take n applicant’s conduct on social media seriously; the unfiltered behavior that is posted on such platforms can be uncalled for and can make or break a potential candidate’s hiring potential.
Divulging Confidential Information
If a company offers a job to a candidate, they will likely provide them with salary and confidential company information regarding the hiring process. For the most part, companies will also provide an NDA on this information. However, some candidates can be rather trigger-happy with this information. This is understandable, but not excusable. Be aware that confidential company information could potentially be leaked by overly excited candidates.
Plagiarism
This is far more common than most realize. Social media is rife with plagiarism and it can severely affect the hiring process. It can reflect a candidate’s lack of integrity and can lead to even worse situations if it manages to slip past recruitment officers.
False Qualifications
Another common issue on social media, though a little less egregious than plagiarism, is untruthful or false qualifications. Recruiters might find that the information provided on a candidate’s resume might not line up with what is posted on their social media. The employer-employee relationship is built on trust, and a single lie to increase their chances of getting hired can be a huge red flag. While there have been plenty of cases where a candidate lies on their resume but perform exceptionally well at their job, the fact remains that they did lie. It will be up to HR and the company to decide if they are willing to let this offence should be punished.
