In today’s hyperconnected world, the boundaries between personal and professional lives are increasingly blurred.
For young people especially, social media has become a space for expression, connection, and discovery.
But in the context of employment and career growth, that same digital space can quietly become a gatekeeper.
At Jobberman Ghana, we sit at the intersection of thousands of job seekers and employers every single day.
We see the CVs, we screen the interviews, and more often than many realise, we hear employers ask questions like, “Did you check their online presence?” It’s no longer enough to have the qualifications. Your digital footprint is fast becoming an unspoken part of your job application.
And this is where the cautionary phrase comes in: Screenshots don’t expire, and the internet surely does not forget.
The New Background Check
Once upon a time, a background check meant making a phone call to a former employer or reviewing your educational records.
Today, it could be as simple as a quick scroll through your LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or even your comment history on public platforms.
Employers are not necessarily trying to pry into your private life; they’re trying to understand the full picture of who they might be inviting into their work environment.
Social media reveals how you think, what you value, how you interact with others, and how you handle conflict.
One distasteful tweet from three years ago, or a video of you mocking others, may not reflect who you are today, but it’s enough to raise a red flag.
And unfortunately, digital content doesn’t come with context or timestamps in the eyes of an employer. A screenshot circulated out of context can cost you an opportunity before you even step into the room.
Your Online Reputation Is Your Silent CV
Think of your online presence as your silent CV. It speaks when you’re not in the room.
It forms impressions before you get a chance to shake hands. It tells a story, whether curated or not, about who you are.
This doesn’t mean you must strip your social media of all personality or fun.
Instead, it means being intentional. The pictures you post, the words you write, the causes you support, and even the way you respond to trolls — they all form a narrative.
If you are job hunting, or even if you’re already employed, here are some reflective questions:
● Would I be comfortable with my employer reading this tweet or post?
● If this video of me went viral, what would it say about my character?
● Could this meme I shared be misinterpreted as offensive or insensitive?
The truth is, we live in an era where people screenshot faster than they understand context. And once it’s out there, it can be screenshotted, shared, and archived in ways beyond your control.
There have been instances where an employer declined to proceed with an interview because the candidate had publicly ridiculed a previous workplace online.
In another case, a bright, qualified young woman lost out on a graduate programme due to a public comment she had made years prior, which was dug up and taken out of context. She didn’t even remember posting it.
But the reverse is also true. We have seen young people get fast-tracked in recruitment processes because of a strong and positive online presence. A thoughtful LinkedIn post about personal growth. A well-curated portfolio on Instagram.
A YouTube channel sharing tech tutorials. These things send signals of initiative, clarity, and purpose, all highly valued by employers today.
The Call to Young Job Seekers
As a young person, you are your own brand.
Every post, share, like, and comment adds a layer to how people perceive that brand. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be aware of your actions. Here’s how to start:
- Audit your digital presence: Take some time to review your social media platforms. Delete or archive anything that no longer reflects who you are.
- Post with purpose: Use your platforms to showcase your interests, ideas, career aspirations, values, achievements and community impact.
- Engage positively: Whether it’s a heated comment section or a trending topic, choose responses that reflect maturity and thoughtfulness.
- Google yourself: What shows up when you search your name? Is it a reflection of the professional you want to be?
The digital age offers incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth.
It enables you to share your story, connect with potential employers, and establish a reputation that precedes you. But it also means you must guard that reputation with care.
So to every young Ghanaian job seeker out there: remember that what you post today might resurface tomorrow, when it matters most. Be mindful.
Be intentional. Because in a world where employers are watching, screenshots don’t expire.
The author, Genevieve Amponsah is the Communications Specialist for Jobberman Ghana
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