Social media has become an integral part of our lives in today’s digital age. It’s where we connect with friends, share photos, and express our opinions on various topics. However, did you know social media is also becoming increasingly relevant to hiring? In this blog, we’ll explain what a social media background check is, the databases it pulls from, and why it’s becoming relevant to professionals across industries.

First, let’s define what a social media background check is. As the name suggests, a social media background check is a type of background check that involves searching a person’s social media accounts for any information relevant to their job application — including anything from inappropriate posts or comments to evidence of criminal activity. You should know that employers, recruiters, or third-party companies can perform a social media background check and are doing so at an increasingly high rate.

So, what databases does a social media background check pull from? A social media background check can pull information from various sources, including popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. They can also search through blogs, forums, and other online sources. So, rest assured that whatever you put out for all to see on the world wide web, even the most basic social media background check will be able to uncover it.

But why are social media background checks becoming relevant to the hiring process? The answer lies in the power of social media to reveal information about a person’s character, personality, and behaviour. As a result, employers are increasingly using social media checks to assess a candidate’s suitability for a job. In some cases, social media checks are becoming the credit checks of the future, with employers using them to gauge a person’s financial responsibility and creditworthiness. For example, a 2017 survey revealed that at least 70% of employers (and this was 6 years ago) across industries were snooping on candidates’ social media profiles to better assist them in hiring decisions.

Something seemingly innocent that you posted, shared, liked, or were tagged in could be flagged on a social media background check. Because of this, it’s a good idea to get your own background check completed so that you know if your profiles are a “pass” before a perspective employer requests one. If looking for work, you should also consider limiting personal posts and opinions (especially those that are shared publicly) on social media and/or revisit your privacy settings to reduce your post’s visibility. It also doesn’t hurt to take a good look backwards across your platforms. Don’t forget to comb through any old or inactive accounts you may have had. An easy way to identify any red flags is to Google yourself. If you’re a Facebook user, there is even a setting where with one click, all of your past profile posts can be made private. As a result of technology social media background capability now exists and its use in on the rise by companies, organizations, and institutions. Social media background checks have become increasingly relevant to the hiring process. Job seekers should be aware that their social media activity can have an impact, both positively and negatively, on their job prospects and should take care to manage their online presence accordingly.

A clean social media background check is a major asset when it comes to applying for a job; employers want to be confident in knowing that any profiles you may have pass inspection with flying colours. The best way to be job ready is to be over-prepared. Obtaining your criminal background check and before you even start looking for a new opportunity arms you with evidence that proves to a prospective employer that you have a clean background, you are trustworthy and will properly represent their brand.

Stay in the know and follow Triton online as we move towards launching out social media background check solution for individuals.