Opinionated posts on social media may work against job seekers

Candidates who express strong opinions on controversial subjects may be seen as unsuitable by hiring managers

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If job seekers are found to have posted strong opinions on social media on controversial subjects, their chances of being hired are drastically reduced. This was revealed by a research published in the International Journal of Selection and Assessment. According to the study, even those who post content that suggests drug or alcohol abuse are less likely to be hired by employers.

The study reveals that in 2018, about 70 per cent of recruiters were found to have scanned social media sites to help them assess the suitability of candidates. About 60 per cent even struck off candidates from the list of potentials, based on the negative content they posted on social media.

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University, US, are of the opinion that it is very important for job seekers to be cautious about what they say or post on social media, as it reflects on their personality and affects their chances at bagging a good job.
The study examined the effect self-absorption, opinionatedness and alcohol and drug use had on recruiters and their decision making.

The hiring managers who participated in the study assessed the candidates’ suitability on the basis of person-organisation fit and an overall candidate evaluation.
It was found that self-absorption had an adverse impact on the way employers perceived candidates’ suitability for hire. Also, self-absorption was more important than opinionatedness or drug and alcohol use when it came to driving these negative perceptions.

Candidates who are found to be posting disruptive content tend to be seen as argumentative and uncooperative. Also, chances are that their views may even go against that of the hiring managers, which may turn them against the candidates.

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