This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Employers' Online Scrutiny of Job Candidates: A Delicate Balance ¶
July 29, 2019
With the rise of social media, job seekers must be mindful of their online presence, as it can significantly impact their job prospects. Two young Kenyans, John Kiongo and June Mwololo, shared their thoughts on the matter with Nation's myNetwork.
John Kiongo, a 22-year-old student at the Technical University of Kenya, uses the internet extensively for learning, entertainment, and social interactions. He spends most of his time on Twitter, where he freely expresses his views on current affairs, politics, sports, technology, and environmental issues.
However, Kiongo acknowledges that his online activity could have consequences. He recently heard that to obtain a visa to the United States, one must provide all their social media accounts for scrutiny. This revelation scared him, as he has criticized US President Donald Trump in the past.
Kiongo believes that employers should not judge people based on their online activity. He argues that opinions expressed online five years ago may not reflect an individual's current views. He would stand his ground if questioned about his online criticism during a job interview.
June Mwololo, a 21-year-old student at Strathmore University, uses social media to interact with friends and family. However, she has become more mindful of her online activity after being advised that associating with certain personalities or brands could affect her reputation.
Mwololo thinks that employers should track potential employees' online activity to understand their ideals and values. She believes that this would help employers identify troublemakers and ensure a smooth working environment.
Francis Kinuthia, a 26-year-old accountant, has stopped being active on social media, except for occasional use to gather information and entertainment. He has digital dirt from six years ago, but he wouldn't pull anything down from his online profile, as every post was made for a reason.
Kinuthia wouldn't be entirely comfortable if a potential employer tracked his online activity. He believes that social life and professional life should remain separate.
