We have recently advertised for a new apprentice for our Northampton office. As well as relying on our training provider we have been proactive and advertised the position through social media. Whilst we appreciate everyone is entitled to their own private life, we want to issue a social media warning. Thanks to platforms like Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter employers of every level will now check your online profiles before inviting you to an interview. Especially if, like us a great proportion of the business is facilitated through social media. A quick check some of the applications we received have revealed profanities, socially inappropriate language and in one case we saw evidence of bullying and racism. Not only are these applicants unlikely to be invited to an interview, if the authorities see these posts then they risk prosecution!

Social Media or a sandwich?

Would you stroll through your local town with a sandwich board with profanities, swear words, abuse etc? No? The only difference between posting to a social media site and the sandwich board is the internet comments will be there for far longer and will have a far wider reach. If you do not want these messages to be seen by a future employer, a future client or any relationship you would wish to make a good impression on, I urge you to clean up your social media accounts!