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If you’re job hunting, one of the smartest moves you can make is checking out your dream employer online. Scroll through their socials, have a look at their website, and see what they’ve been in the news for.
One thing you should be aware of, is that it’s not just you doing the research. They’re checking you out too!
Here’s a quick guide to where they might be looking you up online.
If you don’t post on social media, people are less likely to discover you, but if you’re active, you increase your chances of ending up on the right recruiter’s homepage. Remember, your profile may be public and free to browse!
When applying for a job, recruiters assess more than your skills – they look for alignment with the company’s values. Be authentic on social media instead of posting what you think employers want to see. Share your beliefs and opinions respectfully.
Facebook, Instagram and X are often checked to assess your personality and to look for any red flags, such as discriminatory behaviour, inappropriate content, harassment or illegal activity.
Another platform a recruiter might check out is LinkedIn. While you might be sharing your holiday snaps round the pool with beers in Ibiza or pouting with the new Charlotte Tilbury lip gloss on TikTok, these pics won’t cut the mustard with employers on LinkedIn.
You’ll need to keep it professional. Post pics of yourself looking smart, and without groups of people, unless they are colleagues in work. Make sure the language you choose is formal but friendly – so no slang or emojis!
If the company is sharing useful content on LinkedIn, you could engage with them and let them know you are actively learning from their posts. You can also follow the company page and repost their content and leave comments, especially if the page posts a poll or asks their audience to share an experience.
A quick Google search of your name can show up more than you expect – old social posts, comments, usernames or even tagged photos.
Employers may also check how you show up in online discussions, forums, or communities to see what you’re interested in, how you communicate and how engaged you are with your industry. If you’re applying for a tech role, they might also be interested in any portfolio sites.
Even casual comments can help shape their first impression, so google your own name before you apply! It’s worth knowing what’s out there.
Professional registers can be checked with industry bodies to verify licenses or qualifications that you claim to have. If you say you’re a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, or that you achieved certain grades in your engineering apprenticeship, these can be easily discovered.
Background check agencies may be required. This means that employers may need to use third-party agencies to verify your educational, employment and criminal history.
