Does Social Media Make or Break Employment Opportunities For Individuals?

Employers are using social media in more ways than one to decide who their employee’s will be. The self- identity projected on people’s social media platforms can help them gain employment, or lose their chance. According to statista, ‘2.34 billion’ people are using social media networks as of May 2016. Onepoll says the second most common use for social media is ‘information seeking’. Troy Schuurman, 44, uses social media frequently when looking at job applications to find out further information about the person applying for a job at his company. “My company is professional and I want people working here to show that when they’re not at work. If I see pictures of them drinking or doing anything that would look bad for my company, I won’t even consider them.” Troy said. Employers use social media accounts to see if their candidate presents themselves professionally. Forbes said that “37% of employers” are using social media as a tool get a more in depth idea about the people that are applying. 34% of these employers have chosen not to hire someone based on what they have found on their social media accounts. As the use of social media evolves, Public Relations Companies are seeking out new employee’s for product endorsement by how they represent themselves on social media. Megan O’mahoney, 34, PR worker, said that “girls with lots of followers, good body image and good style catch our eye first.” Companies go through me and ask if the girls [Megan’s employee’s] will post pictures of their products and then we sort out a deal, whether it be money or free products”. Job seekers need to think about the identity they show on social media when applying for work.

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