​Your social media is being watched — and we don't mean by those third-party data companies tracking your every like to sell you personalised ads for something you mentioned once in conversation. There are some others who are also having a peek.

​

Whether it’s a recruiter checking your LinkedIn, or a quick Google search of your name that links back to an embarrassing tweet from 2013, what you post online matters. And if you think no one’s looking? Think again.

A messy online presence can cost you job opportunities before you even step into an interview. But cleaning up your digital footprint isn’t as painful as it sounds. Here’s how to make sure your social media is working for you, not against you.

​

Step 1: Google Yourself

Before you start scrubbing, you need to see what hiring managers might find. Type your name into Google and see what pops up. If you don't like the look of the results, it's time to take action.

✅ What to do: Remove, privatise, or edit anything that doesn’t reflect your professional image. If you can’t delete it, bury it with updated, career-friendly content.

🚫 What to avoid: Ignoring those first-page search results. If you can find them, so can employers.

​

Step 2: Lock Down Personal Accounts

Not everything needs to be public. Lock down those privacy settings unless you want your potential boss seeing something you'd rather they not see.

✅ What to do: Set personal profiles to private and be mindful of who you accept as friends or followers.

🚫 What to avoid: Assuming no one will check. Employers will dig deeper if they’re curious.

​

Step 3: Audit Your Content

Even if your profiles aren’t private, you can still control what’s visible. Scroll through your posts and delete anything inappropriate, controversial, or unprofessional. This includes rants about previous jobs, offensive jokes, and anything that screams “bad decision.”

✅ What to do: Remove or archive posts that could raise eyebrows. If in doubt, delete.

🚫 What to avoid: Leaving old posts untouched because “it was years ago.” The internet doesn’t forget.

​

Step 4: Update Your LinkedIn (And Actually Use It)

LinkedIn is the platform where you want to shine. If your profile is outdated, empty, or looks like it hasn’t been touched since 2015, it’s time for an overhaul.

✅ What to do: Update your profile picture, write a compelling headline, and fill out your experience section with achievements—not just job titles.

🚫 What to avoid: Treating LinkedIn like Facebook. Keep it professional.

​

Step 5: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

A cleaned-up online presence is an opportunity. Share industry-related content, engage with professionals, and showcase your expertise. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about their field.

✅ What to do: Follow companies, comment on industry news, and post thoughtful content that reflects your interests and expertise - this is more so for the likes of LinkedIn.

🚫 What to avoid: Posting nothing at all. A blank presence can be just as damaging as a bad one. Okay, maybe not AS damaging, but it's good to have relevant content on there.

​

Think of taking control of your digital footprint as curating your personal brand, one that reflects your skills, professionalism, and personality without the questionable content. A polished presence will always work in your favour. Let's make sure the internet sees the best version of you.

​