There are many factors an employer considers when assessing a candidate's suitability for a role and reviewing their digital presence ranks highly. Did you know that one of the first things many employers do when receiving a candidate’s resume from a recruiter is to check out their social media presence?

The digital footprint of applicants is an additional reference point that employers can use when deciding whether to progress to a job interview or make an offer of employment. Job seekers should consider how their digital presence may affect how employers see them.

When embarking on a job hunt, here are some important things to check before and during the application process.

• Review profile pics and posted images
  What do the images on social media say about you? Are your profile pics and posted images on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tic Toc appropriate for potential employers to view? We have had clients reconsider interviewing candidates after seeing lewd and provocative images on their social profiles. So, it’s a great idea to review the appropriateness of your images before hitting send on any job applications. If you are unsure if something is appropriate, it’s best to err on the side of caution and delete it.

• Mind your video interview backgrounds
  What can an employer/recruiter see in the background of your video job interview via FaceTime, Teams, Zoom etc.? Does it look neat and tidy or a cluttered mess? Whilst what you do in your own home is private, think about the impression you will leave on a potential employer who hasn’t had the chance to get to know you yet. If you can’t find an appropriate background, set a virtual background filter instead. To read more on this topic, view our guide about preparing for online job interviews and meetings.
  
  
• Check spelling and grammar
  A strong command of written language is an important part of most jobs in the property industry, especially those in administration and marketing. Employers will not only be reviewing the images and videos posted online, but also post blurbs and comments, to assess a candidate’s written communication skills. So, it’s worth fixing up or deleting any posts that show sloppy grammar and/or spelling.
  
  
• Google yourself
  When was the last time you typed your name into a search engine? This is a simple, but effective check to find out what others will see. Once you have viewed the results click on ‘images’ at the top of your browser. You can also get someone else to conduct a search, as different search engines will present different results. This will give you a good sense of your online reputation and give you a chance to address anything inappropriate before employers see it.

Spending some time evaluating and fixing any issues with your digital footprint will be well worth it. Smart job seekers will make a review of their digital reputation an essential part of any future job search.