In the age of Google, we all naturally turn to the internet when we’re facing a challenge. For example, “How do you snake a drain?”, “What’s the best way to get over a hangover?”, or perhaps even, “How do I land my dream job?.”
If you’re currently in the market for a new career, you’ve probably spent a little bit of time trawling through websites and blogs searching for sound advice. On the whole, the message is generally the same: use your network, dress appropriately, create an impressive online portfolio, yadda yadda.
For years, we’ve listened to the same advice. One of the main tips that experts like to throw out there is to clean up your social media accounts before applying for jobs. A YouGov study from 2017 found that over a third of UK Employers rejected candidates based on their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn profiles.
We’ve all heard the horror stories. An HR manager found pictures from your second cousin’s stag weekend and rescinded the company’s job offer. Or a potential boss stumbled across your neighbour’s tagged pictures on Instagram and decided that you weren’t “quite the right fit for their brand.”
In the past, we were told to scrub our social media accounts clean or risk missing out on opportunities. But is this really still necessary?
Unfortunately, it might be.
A few weeks ago, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin made headlines across the globe. A video of the 36-year-old partying with friends went viral on social media. While the video itself was harmless, it did highlight how stringent the standards are for young professionals — especially women — on social media.
Here was an extremely successful, respected woman being chastised for simply having a good time with her friends on her night off. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. And the fact of the matter is, workers have a right to enjoy their downtime in whatever way they choose. But old habits die hard and unfortunately many companies, brands, and people will still judge you by what you post online.
Gradual shift
Things are slowly moving in a new direction. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of remote work, and the arrival of Gen Z into the workplace, we’re seeing a gradual shift to more relaxed, casual work environments. Employees are being encouraged to bring their whole selves to work as employers champion diversity of thought. However, the story of Sanna Marin has highlighted just how much further we have to go.
In 2022, it doesn’t make sense that any workplace would violate your privacy and spend time looking into your social media accounts. If you’ve got ample experience, good references, and a positive attitude, that really should be all that matters when it comes to applying for, and performing in a job.
Who really cares if you like to go to nudist beaches on your holiday or spend Sunday morning at a warehouse rave? You do you. And as for old-fashioned companies that trawl through your social media accounts, who needs them?
So, if you’re looking for a role at a forward-thinking company, take a look at these great gigs below:
Front-end Developer, Blip
The company: Based in Porto, Portuguese Blip is a cutting-edge software engineering company with a difference. Founded in 2009, the company is already in the API Billionaire’s Club alongside Twitter, Meta, and Google.
The role: At the moment, the team is looking for a Front-end Developer who can design and develop technical solutions, do unit testing, maintain and improve production code, and keep documentation up-to-date. You can read the full job spec here.
Why it’s a great place to work: Blip actually came top in a “100 Best companies to work for” ranking from Portuguese business magazine, Exame. It also leads in the workspace and personal growth categories.
Product Lead, Wolt
The company: Wolt is a technology company making it easy to discover and get products and food from the best restaurants, grocery stores, and other local shops delivered to your home or office. The ecommerce platform is currently in 23 countries and more than 250 cities across the globe.
The role: In order to grow, the company needs to hire a Product Lead who can help take its shipping tools to the next level, and build a solid base of forecasting and planning products. Could it be you? Apply online here.
Why it’s a great place to work: “The company has a healthy culture, at least from an engineering perspective. People are open-minded and respect opinion differences,” says a current employee on Glassdoor, who is based at Wolt’s HQ in Helsinki.
Animation Programmer, Activison
The company: Have you ever played Crash Bandicoot, Call of Duty, or Tony Hawk? If so, then you’ll already be familiar with leading worldwide gaming company Activision. Headquartered in Santa Monica, US, Activison also has offices around the world.
The role: Its Manchester office is on the lookout for an Animation Programmer who has a passion for animation, a proven understanding of computer fundamentals, and experience working directly on low-level game animation systems.
Why it’s a great place to work: The company aims to foster an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, and it’s doing that through its Employee Networks. These include Asian & Pacific Islander Employee Network, Black Employee Network, Differing Abilities Employee Network, Latinx Employee Network and more.
To explore these jobs and more, take a look at the House of Talent Jobs Board today