Featured image by Ketut Subiyanto

In today’s hiring landscape, resumes are just the beginning. Before even scheduling an interview, employers can quickly learn about who their candidates are outside of their resumes by conducting a “social media background check.” 

 

How? Social media. 

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok have become an extension to today’s application process. While this evolution is exciting, it also sets new standards for both parties. 

Employers now hope to find more than just titles and a list of skills. This allows you to take control of the narrative. Creating a digital reflection for your values and beliefs. Whether you are looking for your first job out of college or looking to switch careers, your online presence can be a major deciding factor. 

 

Why Social Media Matters in the Hiring Process

Social media platforms give employers insights into a candidate’s life. Outside of the professional resume or cover letter, social media dives deeper. Through this, they are able to learn more about a person’s personality, lifestyle, and values. 

A scroll through someone’s account can reveal: 

• How well they communicate with others
• Passions or hobbies
• Industry-related interactions 
• What they are interested in or value
• AND much more

Ultimately, your social media accounts take a deeper look into who you are. It is not about what you have done, but instead how you present yourself and connect with others. 

 

How Candidates Can Prepare

For job seekers, you face a great opportunity but also a challenge. Through social media, you get the opportunity to stand out. You can express yourself in ways a traditional resume never could. However, the challenge you face is ensuring that your online persona reflects the professionalism employers are seeking. 

Here are a few steps candidates can take: 

• Google yourself 
• Audit your profiles
• Update your skills
• Avoid negativity 
• Use a professional profile picture
• Be mindful of humor

By taking these small but vital steps, you can turn your social media into a powerful tool in the professional world. In a world where social media is everywhere, your digital presence should reflect the same strengths you bring to the workplace. 

 

What Employers are Looking for 

Although many believe that employers just search your social media for reasons to reject you, it is actually the other way around. “67% of employers use social media sites to research potential job candidates and learn more about their professional and personal achievements.” They seek personality, consistency, and authenticity. On top of that, they are able to see what you are involved in. They can see if you show leadership or engagement in organizations. 

Here are some more examples to help you understand what employers look for: 

• Evidence of growth mindset: Posts about learning or skill building. 
• Determination and motivation: Sharing progress or overcoming obstacles.
• Passion and curiosity: Engaging with others in the industry. 
• Emotional intelligence: How you react and interact with others. 
• Work/life balance: Sharing outlets in a positive way. 

These qualities give employers a more human way of getting to know you. This takes words off a resume and puts a face to the name. In many cases, your social media can reinforce your qualifications and make you stand out from other applicants. 

 

Building a Strong Digital Presence

Instead of fearing what employers may see, look at it as an opportunity to focus on what you want them to see. No matter what industry you are applying for, a powerful digital footprint can also help you. 

Here’s how to build a powerful presence: 

• Engage in your industry
• Highlight your achievements
• Follow related leaders or organizations 
• Stay active
• Engage and comment thoughtfully

In this digital era, a strong digital presence is a requirement, not a bonus. When employers search for you they should find traits that add value to your resume.

 

Final Thoughts

As social media continues to evolve, both employers and candidates must adapt. If you are job-seeking, use social media to your advantage. Take the time to audit your accounts and align them to your personal goals. Take a moment to ask yourself: Would you hire yourself based on your social media presence? If the answer is not a confident yes, it might be time for a change. What is one thing you changed on your social media while job hunting, or wish you had? Your digital footprint is a part of your personal brand and can also be one of your biggest assets. 

 

Author Bio:

Liliana Marquez is a current student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Digital Marketing. Liliana was a 2025 intern with the National Institute for Social Media, where she had the incredible opportunity to enhance her marketing/social media skills throughout the summer.

Connect with Lili on LinkedIn!