How employers really see you online - and what to do about it

Your social media doesn't have to hold you back. With awareness, care and a few proactive steps, it can help you shine

As you prepare to enter the graduate job market, you've likely been advised to polish your CV, work on your interview skills and build your LinkedIn profile. Yet one crucial element often gets overlooked: your online presence.

In the UK, more employers are using what are known as social media pre-employment checks - not to catch you out - but to understand how you present yourself before they meet you. These checks are being carried out on your social activity, including posts, comments and interactions, because they all contribute to the story you tell. With a little awareness, you can make that story work in your favour.

What are social media pre-employment checks?

Social media checks are professional reviews of publicly available online behaviour, typically performed (with candidate consent) by screening providers on behalf of an employer.

According to Glassdoor, around 91% of UK employers review candidates' social media profiles during the hiring process.

After you've given your consent, the process generally involves a:

• defined list of criteria or ‘red flags’ set by the employer or provider
• review of publicly accessible content (e.g., posts, comments, shares)
• report to support hiring decisions.

Examples of flagged behaviours might include:

• confidentiality breaches
• discrimination
• harassment
• illegal activity
• repeated offensive content.

Why are these checks gaining traction?

The answer lies in the shift of how we live, learn and work. Since the pandemic, much of our social and educational activity has migrated online. Our online lives are increasingly visible and so are the risks (and opportunities) that flow from them.

Employers today don't just hire skills, they also hire reputation, judgement and trust. Online behaviour can impact how you're perceived, sometimes before you've had a chance to speak for yourself. Social media checks offer insight into the candidate's online behaviour to identify potential risks and ensure the individual aligns with the company's values.

For students preparing to launch their careers, this means your digital footprint matters more than ever.

Why does my social media matter?

You may not think your Facebook post or TikTok video matters, until a recruiter sees it. The truth is, many students have limited awareness that their online presence can be reviewed as part of recruitment.

Imagine this: you're applying for a graduate scheme. Your interview went well. However, during the hiring process, the employer uses a screening provider and sees a public post from a few years ago, which suggests your behaviour is not aligned with the organisation's values. The job offer is then withdrawn. This scenario, although avoidable, is a real possibility.

On the flip side, when your social media presence reflects maturity, professionalism and authenticity, it can enhance your job market appeal. That's why it’s vital to take control now, not when you're already under pressure.

How do I perform a social media check?

Your social media may have been years in the making, including posts made in your late teens or early university days. What seemed harmless then may look very different now. The misconception is that deleting your account or a few old posts is enough. In reality, online content can linger, with screenshots, tags, and shared posts still appearing in search results.

If you're unsure where to start, you can take the guesswork out of it by running a professional social media check on yourself through right2socials.co.uk. This service provides a personalised report that shows exactly how an employer would see your online presence.

Use your report to:

• understand what's visible to recruiters and how it may be interpreted
• identify content that could be misjudged or outdated
• perfect your online appearance by highlighting your professionalism, creativity, and values.

Think of it as a digital mirror, one that helps you see what employers see, so you can take control and present your best self online.

How can I build a positive digital presence?

Once you have reviewed your online presence, either through your own audit or by using a professional social media check, the next step is about understanding and managing your digital identity with confidence.

Think of your online footprint as a reflection of your values and communication style. Ask yourself what story it tells about you, and whether it matches the kind of professional you want to become.

Consistency is key. Whether you are active on TikTok or LinkedIn, aim for a tone and presence that feels authentic while still showing good judgement. The goal is not to create a perfect version of yourself, but to present one that feels credible, thoughtful and self-aware.

Here are some simple ways to strengthen your online presence:

• Review your privacy settings - Decide what you want to keep public versus private. It's fine to have a personal side, but make sure your professional persona is visible and appropriate.
• Search yourself regularly - Sign out of your socials, then type your name into Google and social platforms to see what employers might find. This helps you stay aware of any outdated or unflattering content.
• Showcase your achievements - Use your profiles to highlight projects, awards, volunteering or coursework that reflect your interests and skills.
• Engage positively - Commenting constructively, sharing useful content or celebrating others' achievements demonstrates professionalism and emotional intelligence.
• Avoid reactive posting - Pause before posting or commenting on sensitive topics. What feels temporary in the moment can stay online for years.
• Keep visuals uncontroversial - Check your profile photos and banners as these often form a first impression. A clear, friendly and current image is best.

When you understand what employers really see, you gain the power to shape that impression. With awareness and intention, your online presence can become a genuine asset that supports your future career.

Find out more

• Discover how to use social media to find a job.
• Read all about getting a job.