Don't Get "Blocked" From a New Job Because of Social Media

• Majority of Employers Now Screen Social Media to Gain A 3D Perspective of Job Candidates
• Latest Results from The Harris Poll

Nearly 7 in 10 Canadian hiring decision-makers agree that looking at a candidate's social media profiles is an effective way to screen applicants, according to a new survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

Furthermore, 68% believe employers should screen all applicant's social media profiles, while the majority (65%) say they use social networking sites to research potential job candidates-with 2 in 5 saying they do so for every or most candidates.

Seventy-seven per cent of Canadian hiring decision-makers believe employees should maintain a "work-appropriate" social media presence.

For those who use social networking to research candidates, more than half (52%) have found content on a social networking site that caused them not to hire a candidate.

Social Media and Recruiting

"A comprehensive search is often undertaken to identify different platforms where a potential candidate may have posted," said Brent Pollington, franchise owner of the Vancouver Express franchise office. "I think it's an effective way to gain more information about who the candidate truly is."

Job Seekers Lacking Social Media Accounts

In the Harris Poll, nearly a quarter (24%) of hiring decision-makers say they are not likely to consider a candidate that does not have an online presence.

"It's becoming less likely for senior-level professionals to not have a LinkedIn profile. I would argue that not having a LinkedIn profile as a job seeker is likely hindering the chances of securing employment."

Cleaning Up Social Media

With the country continuing to reopen from the COVD-19 shutdown, Express experts say now is the ideal time for job seekers to clean up their social media accounts to avoid losing out on employment opportunities.

"New job seekers might want to go through old images or posts to ensure they align with the image they are currently looking to portray," Pollington said. "Images with drugs and alcohol may give the wrong initial perception to a prospective employer."

"Social media can be a great tool for connecting with others, but it's important to remember that potential employers are looking at your accounts, too," Express CEO Bill Stoller said. "Take the time now to clean up your online presence to avoid the heartache later of losing out on the job."

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between April 21 and May 6, 2020 among 501 Canadian hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18+ in Canada who are employed full-time or self-employed or have been laid off, furloughed, or given a zero hour schedule in the past 60 days but worked full-time or were self-employed full-time prior, work at companies with more than 1 employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data were weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

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If you would like to arrange an interview with Brent Pollington, call (604) 638-6980.

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About Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals is in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Providing localized staffing solutions to our community, Express employed 552,000 people across North America in 2019.