Recruiters scrutinize online behaviour before making hiring decisions, these are the words of, Maud A. Ashong Elliot, a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
In an interview on Adwuma Adwuma with Felicia Osei on Onua FM, the lecturer shed light on how social media can influence hiring decisions.
According to her, “When hiring, recruiters look at your social media accounts so be careful what you post and share,” she cautioned.
Sharing her personal experience, she revealed that she recently participated in the selection process for a Managing Director (MD) position at a leading IT company in Ghana, “the two shortlisted candidates were both highly qualified, but the company needed only one person. To decide, we reviewed their social media accounts, going back 10 years,” she explained.
This practice, she noted, is not limited to job recruitment but also extends to other areas, including visa applications, where applicants are now required to provide their LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for scrutiny.
She stressed that employers and institutions evaluate social media profiles for consistency in posting, evidence of personal growth, and the nature of shared content.
“It’s not only about the CV or document you submit. What you post can either qualify you or disqualify you,” she said.
Maud also highlighted the legal implications of sharing inappropriate or harmful content, noting that individuals could face arrest for sharing certain videos or posts from others.
“Be careful about the videos and materials you share online. Even if it’s sent to you, sharing it could land you in trouble, you can be arrested,” she cautioned.
Elliot advised professionals and job seekers to treat their online presence as an extension of their CV.
She encouraged them to maintain a positive digital footprint that reflects growth, professionalism, and good judgment.
“Ensure that your online activity portrays you in a positive light. Avoid posting or sharing content that could damage your reputation or put you in a bad light, especially regarding comments or posts about other people.”
This revelation serves as a reminder for job seekers and professionals alike to treat their social media accounts as extensions of their professional image.
