\n<\/p>\n
However, there is a lot more nuance to the process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ms Carmen Ho, an associate director at recruitment firm Michael Page, said that recruiters typically review a candidate’s profile on LinkedIn, but what they look for goes beyond a record of skills and achievements.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We look for clues about the ‘softer’ side of a candidate \u2013 how they communicate, what they are interested in, and whether their professional values align with the organisation’s culture.”<\/p>\n
How closely your online presence is scrutinised depends on the seniority and function of the role as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ms Cecelia Koh, executive director and the lead of healthcare and life sciences practice from recruitment firm Kerry Consulting, said that a social media review can be particularly relevant for commercial roles such as sales and marketing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is because professionals in those functions are often active online and their digital footprint offers insight into how they position themselves and represent brands publicly.<\/p>\n
For senior professionals, the review is more targeted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“LinkedIn is often the primary reference point and in some cases, YouTube or industry platforms if the individual speaks at conferences or contributes to public forums,” Ms Koh added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“At senior levels, we are looking for consistency between the profile and the CV (curriculum vitae), evidence of thought leadership where relevant, and overall professional credibility.”<\/p>\n
Here is the reassuring part: Recruiters are generally not trawling through your social media history from yesteryear in their review of jobseekers.<\/p>\n
“A post made a decade ago, particularly in one’s teenage years, is rarely judged in isolation,” Ms Koh said. “What matters more is the pattern of behaviour and whether there is clear evidence of growth and professional maturity since then.”<\/p>\n
For recent posts, these become problematic only when they reflect poor judgment, especially if they contradict the responsibilities of the role being pursued.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“A contentious post made today by someone in a leadership or client-facing position can raise questions about judgment and awareness of context,” Ms Koh said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n