Anything you post online has the potential to exist permanently, creating a “digital footprint” that shapes how you are perceived. This virtual trail of data is composed of your social media activity, comments on websites, and photos you are tagged in. What you share on the internet can have tangible consequences, influencing how you are viewed by people who can provide future opportunities.
The Digital Background Check
The practice of reviewing a candidate’s online presence is a standard part of the evaluation process for many opportunities. A survey by CareerBuilder revealed that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring. This screening is not limited to employers; college admissions departments and loan officers also perform these checks to gain a more complete picture of an applicant.
The methods for these digital background checks range from simple to sophisticated. It often starts with a basic Google search of a person’s name, which can surface a wide array of public information. Reviewers will then visit social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to examine the content an individual posts and interacts with to assess personality and cultural fit.
Beyond manual searches, some organizations employ third-party services that specialize in social media screening. These services conduct a thorough review of a candidate’s publicly available online activity, flagging content that could be considered problematic. These checks are generally confined to publicly accessible information, as requesting private login credentials from an applicant is a legally ambiguous practice.
Content That Can Harm Your Future
The information uncovered during a digital background check can have immediate and lasting consequences. Certain types of content are consistently viewed as red flags by decision-makers and can lead to a rejected application or a rescinded offer. One survey found that 79% of employers have rejected a candidate based on the content they found on their social media profiles.
- Unprofessional or inappropriate conduct: Posts or images depicting excessive partying, alcohol consumption, or illegal drug use are frequently cited as reasons for not hiring a candidate. Many employers have rejected candidates because of provocative photos or posts about drinking or using drugs, as this content can signal poor judgment.
- Poor communication and attitude: The way you communicate online is often seen as a reflection of your on-the-job demeanor. Posts with poor grammar and spelling mistakes can be a red flag, as can a consistently negative tone, such as complaining about previous employers or colleagues.
- Divisive or discriminatory remarks: Making discriminatory comments related to race, gender, or religion is one of the quickest ways to be disqualified. This includes not only direct statements but also sharing offensive or hateful memes, articles, or jokes.
- Inaccuracies and misrepresentations: Honesty is highly valued, and inconsistencies between your application and your online presence can raise doubts. If your LinkedIn profile lists skills or experiences not on your resume, it can lead to questions about your truthfulness.
Leveraging Your Online Presence for Good
While the internet can present professional pitfalls, it also offers powerful tools for creating opportunities. A thoughtfully curated digital footprint can serve as a dynamic extension of your resume, showcasing your skills and personality. Shifting the perspective from avoiding negatives to building positives can transform your online presence from a potential liability into a significant asset.
A professional profile on a platform like LinkedIn is an excellent starting point. It allows you to detail your work experience, highlight skills, and gather endorsements from colleagues. Going further, you can share articles and engage in professional groups to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for your field.
Creating your own content can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise. Starting a blog or an online portfolio allows you to present your work, share your insights, and establish yourself as a thought leader. This original content provides tangible evidence of your capabilities, whether it’s a design portfolio, writing samples, or a blog about industry trends.
Strategies for Managing Your Digital Footprint
Actively managing your online reputation is a continuous process that involves awareness and thoughtful engagement. By taking deliberate steps to control your digital narrative, you can protect your future opportunities and build a presence that reflects your best self.
Audit Your Presence
The first step is to understand what is already out there. Conduct a thorough search of your own name on Google and other search engines, looking at web, image, and video results. Review your own social media profiles, scrolling back through old posts, photos, and items you have been tagged in.
Clean Up and Curate
Once you have a clear picture of your digital footprint, the next step is to clean it up. Delete any posts, photos, or comments that could be viewed as unprofessional. If you are tagged in problematic content posted by others, untag yourself or ask the person who posted it to take it down. Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to limit who sees your personal posts.
Think Before You Post
The most effective strategy is to be mindful of your online activity moving forward. Before posting anything, consider how it might be perceived by a future employer or a college admissions officer. This simple test can prevent you from sharing something you might later regret, helping you build a positive online reputation.