Your Digital Footprint Matters
Back in 2018, a CareerBuilder survey revealed that 70% of employers were checking social media before making hiring decisions. Fast forward to 2025, and not much has changed. If anything, the scrutiny has only intensified.
Today, your social media presence is part of your resume. It’s not just about what you say in an interview, it’s about how your digital footprint aligns with the values and culture of your potential employer. The question isn’t if they’ll look, it’s what they’ll find when they do.
What Hiring Managers Are Looking For
Let’s break it down: hiring managers are scanning for both red and green flags.
Red flags might include:
- Inappropriate or offensive content
- Discriminatory language or behavior
- Evidence of illegal activity
- Excessive partying or unprofessional behavior
Green flags, on the other hand, include:
- Community involvement
- Leadership roles
- Creativity and originality
- Strong communication skills
Bottom line? Employers want a fuller picture of who you are, beyond just your resume and cover letter. Your online presence can either reinforce your professional image or completely derail it.
How Your Personal Brand Shows Up Online
Your personal brand is essentially how you present yourself to the world, and it’s constantly evolving. Every post, comment, like, or bio update adds a layer to your story.
Good personal branding clearly communicates who you are, what you’re about, and consistently adds value to your audience.
Poor personal branding is vague, inconsistent, or off-topic, making it hard for people (especially potential employers) to see your value.
Good Example: A fitness coach shares weekly tips, client success stories, and bite-sized videos explaining fitness and health strategies, all in a clear, upbeat voice.
Bad Example: A marketing intern’s page is filled with memes, political rants, and outdated work, with no consistent themes or purpose.
Curious to learn more? Check out our first blog post to dive deeper.
The Power of Personal Branding.
Platforms to Watch: Where Employers Look First
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of where hiring managers might be looking, and what they’re looking for:
- Instagram: Visual content, stories, captions, and highlights
- TikTok: Short-form videos, humor, personal opinions
- Facebook: Still commonly used for background checks
- LinkedIn: Your professional brand lives here. Not being on LinkedIn can be a red flag itself
- Snapchat & Threads: Often private, but remember, screenshots exist
A quick self-audit across these platforms can go a long way. Keep it professional, but don’t be afraid to show some personality.
Clean Up and Show Up: Social Media Tips
Start with a simple step: Google yourself. What comes up? Does it reflect the person and professional you are today?
Do a quick content audit:
- Delete posts that don’t align with your values
- Adjust your privacy settings, but remember, nothing online is ever truly private
- Highlight the good stuff: volunteer work, creative projects, academic achievements
Also, update your bios! A well-crafted bio that reflects your interests, goals, or even a favorite quote can leave a lasting impression.
Use Social Media to Stand Out (in a Good Way)
The goal here isn’t just to “clean up” your profile, but to own it. Use your platforms to share passion projects, career goals, internships, school clubs, and more.
This isn’t just about getting a job, it’s about building confidence, celebrating your growth, and showcasing who you really are. When you feel good about your online presence, you’ll show up stronger in real life too.
And once you’re confident in your brand, start engaging! Follow companies or industries that interest you, comment on posts, and start building connections in your field.
Own Your Online Story
At the end of the day, social media is just a tool, but it’s a powerful one. When used with intention, it can absolutely open doors.
Here at Metro Southwest Youth Connections, we encourage you to be intentional, not perfect. Take that first step today—clean up a profile, update your bio, or post something positive.
