If you are outside Canada and seeking a job offer as a means to immigrate to Canada, you need to pay attention to your social media account and how this could impact your job application to Canada. In the modern job market, the power of social media cannot be overstated.
With more than 60% of Canadian companies admitting to screening job candidate’s social media profiles before offering a job, it is essential that job seekers are aware of what employers are looking for and what they should avoid posting online.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment, more than 65% of Canadian employers screen the social media profiles of job candidates. Among this group, 41% said they found content that led them to not offer the job to the candidate. This shows that employers are taking social media seriously and that job seekers need to be cautious with what they post.
What are employers looking for?
When it comes to social media screening, employers are typically on the lookout for red flags such as inappropriate, unethical, polarizing, or extreme comments or photos. Jessica Culo, an owner of several Express Employment Professionals reviews in Edmonton, advises that strong political or religious views can turn employers off. She recommends that job seekers keep their social media profiles private where possible to avoid giving employers access to everything they post.
Culo also advises keeping a consistent personal “brand” across all social media platforms. This means thinking about the image you want to have and sticking to it consistently. Spelling and grammar are also important as they can affect the validity and credibility of your posts. Grammar and spelling errors can be off-putting for potential employers.
It is also worth noting that social media monitoring does not stop once you are hired. According to the Harris Poll, 86% of employers said they would fire a current employee who creates any “inappropriate posts.” This includes posts that are damaging to the company, reveal confidential information, or promote illegal drug use.
Ultimately, social media can be a powerful tool for job seekers if used responsibly and with discipline. Job seekers should embrace social media as a tool for finding employment, connect with potential employers they want to work for and use it to their advantage. However, job seekers should also be aware that their social media profiles are being scrutinized by potential employers and adjust their online behavior accordingly.
In the end, in today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. People use social media for a variety of purposes, from staying in touch with friends and family to promoting their businesses and networking with potential employers.
However, it is important to recognize that social media can also have a significant impact on a job search. With more than 60% of Canadian employers now screening job candidates’ social media profiles, it is crucial for job seekers to understand what employers are looking for and how to present themselves in the best possible light.
Employers are particularly sensitive to red flags such as inappropriate, unethical, polarizing, or extreme comments or photos, as well as strong political or religious views that may be off-putting to potential employers. Therefore, job seekers need to be aware of the image they are portraying online and how it may be perceived by prospective employers.
One of the most effective ways to avoid these pitfalls is to keep social media profiles private whenever possible. This means that potential employers will not be able to see everything that job seekers post online. However, if job seekers prefer to keep their profiles public, they need to be careful about what they post and ensure that they maintain a consistent personal brand across all social media platforms.
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