Seemingly everyone uses search engines in one capacity or another, whether it’s searching for local places to chow down or the answer to a debate you’ve held with a close friend for the past 30 minutes. While not everybody recognizes this very real possibility, employers often perform comprehensive searches of applicants and existing employees. Surveys conducted with employers found that more than three-quarters of recruiters – quantified at an astounding 77% – utilize search engines to turn up information of all sorts of candidates. Even worse for candidates with questionable histories, 35% of those recruiters said they refrained from hiring candidates as a direct result of search results.
Finding picture or video evidence of drug abuse
Every NCAA football fan is familiar with former Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche being caught on social media, smoking marijuana from a water pipe. Similarly, National Football League fans likely haven’t forgotten offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil being documented smoking a “gas mask,” paraphernalia designed to smoke marijuana. Whether you’re a public figure or not, employers that find evidence of drug abuse will all but mark you off their list of potential new hires.
Record of criminal history with background checks
Background checks used to be reserved for government officials and other people of importance. Today, literally anybody can find anyone with CheckPeople.com, pulling comprehensive reports of criminal history and other things subjects want to keep quiet about. Only expungement can remove track marks from these records, providing employers with largely-accurate ideas of who applicant’s really are.
Personal views posted on social media that aren’t acceptable
Social media is used by billions of people worldwide to share opinions. However, some people feel invincible on these sites. It’s not difficult for employers to find an applicant’s friends, search their follower lists, and gain access to their posts.
Written documents filled with grammatical errors
If someone can’t write well, employers are generally skeptical about hiring him. They might uncover old school papers or forum posts that indicate deficiencies. Although not every employer will count against for these finds, those requiring high amounts of brain power certainly will.
Negative things written about you by others
A peer might leave hateful messages attached to your social media handle or username. Local message boards might express hateful sentiments about its residents. In most instances of slander or rumors, they’re often based in truth, leaving employers to think nothing but the worst of candidates in question.
The Internet is often used for positive things, like finding recipes or positive news about people. However, people sometimes leave residual trails of material, causing detriment to their career endeavors. Employers can find virtually anything about candidates, as long as they look hard enough.