“Sleuthing through Socials: Embracing our Inner Nosiness in the Hiring Process"
The recruitment landscape has progressed beyond conventional resumes and interviews. Employers, hiring managers, and potential colleagues will often play the role of investigators, leveraging social media and online platforms to gain a deeper understanding of candidates. This evolution has introduced a fresh layer to the selection process, breaking the boundary between personal and professional, whilst unleashing the inner detective within
With access to this online insight into our personal lives, the dynamics of our professional relationships have transcended traditional boundaries. Colleagues are no longer limited to interactions within the office walls. The advent of social media and online platforms has ushered in a new era where colleagues, consciously or unconsciously, invite each other into their personal lives through virtual channels. Our lives seamlessly traverse the realms of the professional and the personal.
Is there a distinct work persona that coexists with our personal self? And to what extent do these personas overlap? Traditionally, "your personal life, is personal and your work, is business" has guided professional conduct, emphasising a clear divide between business and pleasure. With the continued use of video conferencing and remote working, we are already entering the homes of many of our colleagues, clients and employers. Is our ‘work life’ simply becoming life, and do we need to redefine personal and professional boundaries?
Beyond the Résumé
While resumes offer a structured view of our professional background for organisations seeking to attract talent, social media profiles provide a more holistic perspective. Employers may turn to platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to glean information about a candidate's personality, interests, and extracurricular activities, or simply to validate the information they have in hand. Social media can allow employers to gauge cultural fit by observing how well a candidate aligns with the company's values and culture. Shared content, posts, and interactions offer valuable clues about a candidate's worldview and potential compatibility with the organisation. For businesses keen to promote and develop their business culture, the digital age has redefined how we connect and how organisations can better align fit with their existing teams.
The content we engage with and the opinions we express online provide a window Into our values, ?political opinions and beliefs. Employers, clients and colleagues may form judgments based on the alignment or divergence of these perspectives. It is however crucial to approach this information with sensitivity.
We have witnessed an exponential surge in the number of social media platforms, reflecting the ever-growing ways in which people connect and share information online. From the early days of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to the emergence of newer entrants like TikTok, SnapChat and Clubhouse, the social media landscape has become a dynamic ecosystem. Each platform caters to diverse preferences, offering unique features and content formats that resonate with specific audiences. This surge not only emphasises the widespread desire for digital connectivity on a global scale but also accentuates the ongoing evolution of online social interactions, revealing the substantial amount of personal information we disclose to a worldwide audience
Beyond water cooler conversations and meeting room discussions, employees often share glimpses of their lives outside the office through various online platforms and this isn’t necessarily done with the intent to be viewed be employers or co-workers. Our colleagues may present curated versions of themselves online, showcasing highlights and aspects of their lives they wish to share. In the workplace, individuals often don a professional mask, presenting a composed and polished version of themselves. This work persona is carefully curated to align with professional expectations, showcasing competence, reliability, and adherence to company values. Conversely, our personal lives reflect the authentic self—our passions, quirks, and vulnerabilities. This authentic self may not always align with the composed image presented in the workplace.
Overlap or Distinct Divides?
The digital landscape blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. Social media platforms, professional networks, and collaborative tools bridge the gap, creating a space where colleagues and professional contacts gain glimpses of our personal lives. Personal platforms often become inadvertently professionalised and vice versa. Our colleagues, employers, and even clients follow us online in our private space and as a result, the lines between the work and personal persona become increasingly intertwined
Establishing clear boundaries between the work and personal persona ensures a healthy balance. Recognising what to keep private and what to share allows individuals to maintain authenticity without compromising professionalism. Individuals should strategically choose what to reveal and what to keep hidden in both their work and personal lives. The decision to share certain aspects while concealing others is a conscious effort to shape perceptions. Online presence becomes a tool for managing perceptions, whether intentional or subconscious, conveying messages about our priorities, values, and the aspects of ourselves we deem significant. The decision to keep aspects of one's personal life private often stems from a desire for autonomy. The sanctuary of personal space allows individuals to navigate their emotions, relationships, and experiences without external scrutiny.
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As the workplace continues to evolve, there is a growing emphasis on authenticity and the recognition of the whole individual. Some argue that bringing personal elements into the professional sphere fosters genuine connections and enhances workplace culture. Leaders who share aspects of their personal lives are often seen as more relatable and approachable. This shift challenges the notion of a rigid divide, suggesting that a more integrated approach can contribute to effective leadership.
Sharing personal interests, hobbies, and even personal challenges can facilitate the building of meaningful connections within the workplace. Understanding the person behind the professional title can foster camaraderie and teamwork. Companies that embrace a more personal approach often report higher levels of employee engagement. Employees who feel seen and understood are likely to be more invested in their work and the overall success of the organisation.
The debate over whether personal and professional lives should remain separate or intertwine reflects the evolving nature of work and the diverse preferences of individuals. While some treasure the autonomy that comes with keeping personal life private, others champion the idea that a more integrated approach leads to more authentic, empathetic workplaces. As we navigate this delicate dance between disclosure and privacy, the key lies in fostering a culture that respects individual choices, values authenticity, and recognises the unique tapestry each person weaves within the intricate fabric of their lives.
While online presence provides valuable insights into us all, it is imperative to approach this information with a discerning eye, acknowledging the duality of curated and authentic identities. Social media acts as a powerful tool for employers to gather valuable insights beyond the traditional recruitment process. While this approach can enhance the hiring process, it is crucial to strike a balance and respect candidates' privacy, ensuring that decisions are based on relevant and job-related information. In the pursuit of genuine connection, the answer to whether we truly know our colleagues lies in navigating the delicate dance between the online and offline spheres.
“And just one more thing…”
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Everyone's inner detective plays a crucial role in constructing teams that are diverse, inclusive, and dynamic, and we need to learn to respect the different contexts of professional and personal information shared.
Partner
Executive Recruit Ltd
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