Canadian employers use social networking to review candidates. Further, this implies that these employers first check potential candidates through social networking channels even before calling them for interviews. Whether it’s a newcomer or Canadian, this technique applies to both groups.
Canadian employers use social networking to review candidates
A global consulting and marketing company, Harris Poll, held a survey in January this year. This survey occurred on behalf of Express Employment, a prominent staffing provider. According to the survey, over 60 percent of Canadian companies confirmed that they scan a candidate’s social media. Moreover, 41 percent of them claimed that they found certain content on the social media handles of candidates, which led to their rejection. This means that the employers consciously decided not to offer them any job.
Hence, it is crucial for such candidates to modify their social media platforms during the initial stages of their life. Certain employers verify a candidate’s social media at the initial phase of the job search. Meanwhile, others wait until the end of the hiring process.
Canadian employers- what do they require?
Jessica Culo, who owns numerous Express Employment Professionals locations in Edmonton, gave certain hints to newcomers on things to consider on their social media. Further, she discussed that Canadian employers look for specific red flags during their employee search. These could revolve around anything appearing unethical or offbeat. For instance, any immoral comments, unusual photos, or polarizing. Additionally, she claimed that she had witnessed several employers refusing to hire candidates with strong political views on their social media.
However, it might not be possible for all Canadians or newcomers to fully understand that their political opinions might turn off a few employers. This is specifically true for individuals who have recently witnessed an unstable situation in their home country. Their experience might drive them to further participate in such political discussions online.
Moreover, this might not be applicable to one’s LinkedIn profile as employers consider it to understand the professional background of potential candidates. She even stated that such employers will more likely check profiles that appear on Google searches.
Even after employers in Canada recruit candidates, their verification of social media might continue.
According to the data from Harris Poll, 86 percent of employers could find an existing employee posting unusual or unacceptable content on their social media profiles.
The employers believe this could be destructive for the company as it might display confidential information about the firm and encourage illegal drug usage.
Culo even suggested employees keep their social media profiles private wherever possible. However, this might also depend upon the nature of an employee’s work. Yet, a private profile is most suitable as it doesn’t display all your information to potential Canadian employers.
How can employees be more careful about their social media?
The best thing would be to look after grammar usage and spelling while they prefer to keep the social media public. Good grammar usage will impress the recruiters, while incorrect grammar will only put them off. Another suggestion is to keep the personal brand uniform for all your social media profiles.
For this, the potential employee needs to analyze the type of image he would like to create and what the brand would appear like. There has to be a specific difference between a professional and a personal brand. Also, the Facebook profile of an employee must not demonstrate their unprofessional image. However, a LinkedIn profile must be purely professional. It is advisable to maintain consistency across all social media channels.
The final suggestion would be to use social media as a productive tool to search for employment. There is no reason why one should feel scared of using this specific tool for a job search. In fact, they must use it to connect with potential employers. However, they only need great intent and discipline to use it to their advantage.
