College Grads Have Nothing to Hide from Employers on Social Media

The vast majority of college grads don’t seem to think their social media accounts could negatively affect their chances of securing a job, according to new research.

A May 2017 poll from Wingfinder, a career aptitude tool developed for Red Bull, found that 87% of recent and soon-to-be college grads wouldn’t consider creating a fake social media account for the sole purpose of catering to prospective employers. And 70% said they wouldn’t bother keeping social media accounts anonymous out of fear of putting off potential employers.

These grads and students are not only living their lives online: Some now think substantial social media followings could be a net benefit for their career ambitions.

Business-savvy graduates also seem to think their social media status is a pathway to becoming a marketing influencer. A small percentage even told Wingfinder that having a large social media following was a skill they could offer potential employers.

Wingfinder also found that these young job seekers are well aware that their social media activities can easily be reviewed, and that their shared content should be appropriate for potential employers to see.

College students have grown up with social media, and are now some of its most dedicated users. According to a November 2016 study from whurk, 67% of US college student mobile phone users said they spent at least an hour on social media each day.

—Monica Melton