When applying for jobs or internships in 2025, remember that employers often look beyond your resume. Your social media activity, online presence, and even how you present yourself in virtual spaces can influence their decision. Unprofessional posts, inconsistent information, or negative behavior online could limit your opportunities. Take time to review your digital footprint to ensure it reflects the professional image you want employers to see. In today’s job market, social media plays a big role in hiring decisions. Employers often review online profiles, and unprofessional or questionable posts can hurt your chances of landing a job or moving into a new role. Be intentional about what you share, keeping in mind that your digital presence reflects your professionalism and character.
1. Employers Check Your Online Footprint
Background checks now often include social media scans. Companies use software that screens for red flags (hate speech, threats, discrimination, harassment, illegal activity).
Even if your account is private, things can leak through screenshots or mutual connections.
2. Content That Can Hurt You
Unprofessional behavior → Excessive partying, drug/alcohol posts, offensive jokes.
Negative comments about past employers → Criticizing managers, coworkers, or companies can raise concerns about professionalism.
Sharing confidential or inside info → Even if it’s “just a post,” companies view this as a breach of trust.
Controversial or extreme opinions → Political, religious, or cultural debates aren’t always a deal-breaker, but they can make employers hesitant.
Inappropriate photos or videos → Anything sexually explicit or violent can disqualify you.
3. Digital Permanence
Deleted posts may not really be gone. Cached pages, screenshots, and archives can bring things back.
Employers sometimes run “deep scans” of usernames, old emails, and aliases to connect past accounts.
4. New Laws & Hiring Practices (2025)
AI-powered hiring tools: Some companies use AI to scan your public profiles for keywords, tone, and “risk factors.”
Regulations: States like New York, California, and Illinois have laws limiting how much employers can use AI/social media in hiring, but it still happens.
Take It Down Act: Posting revenge content or deepfakes isn’t just unprofessional — it’s now a federal crime.
Social media background check companies are growing; employers often outsource to them.
5. What Helps You Instead
Showcasing skills → Post about your projects, certifications, volunteer work, designs, writing, etc.
Professional engagement → Comment on industry news, share helpful resources, or celebrate milestones.
Consistency → A clean, professional profile picture across platforms gives a good impression.
LinkedIn alignment → Make sure your LinkedIn, résumé, and other profiles don’t contradict each other.
Bottom line: In 2025, employers aren’t just looking at résumés — they’re looking at your digital reputation. What you post today can either open doors or close them.
What to Consider for Jobs and Internships in 2025
Review Your Social Media: Make sure posts, photos, and comments reflect professionalism.
Be Consistent: Ensure your online profiles (LinkedIn, portfolios, social accounts) match your resume and experience.
Share Positively: Highlight volunteer work, projects, achievements, or industry-relevant content.
Avoid Red Flags: Offensive language, inappropriate images, or negative comments about past employers can hurt your chances.
Monitor Regularly: Check your online presence periodically to see what employers can find.
Think Before You Post: Once it’s online, it can be permanent — consider how it represents your character and professionalism.
Threatening Comments and Social Media Posts
What Counts as a Threat: Any post, message, or comment that implies or directly states harm to someone else, their property, or an organization. This includes jokes or “sarcastic” statements that could be interpreted as threatening.
Legal Consequences: Threats on social media can be investigated by law enforcement. In some cases, they are considered criminal offenses, regardless of intent.
Impact on Employment: Employers may view threatening content as a serious red flag. It can result in being denied a job, internship, or promotion.
Permanent Record: Even if you delete the post, screenshots or reports may still exist. Threats can leave a lasting mark on your digital footprint.
Best Practice: Never post content that could be perceived as threatening or violent. If you’re frustrated, find private, safe ways to express yourself instead.
Counts as a Threat: Any post, message, or comment that implies or directly states harm to someone else, their property, or an organization. This includes jokes or “sarcastic” statements that could be interpreted as threatening.
Legal Consequences: Threats on social media can be investigated by law enforcement. In some cases, they are considered criminal offenses, regardless of intent.
Impact on Employment: Employers may view threatening content as a serious red flag. It can result in being denied a job, internship, or promotion.
Permanent Record: Even if you delete the post, screenshots or reports may still exist. Threats can leave a lasting mark on your digital footprint.
Best Practice: Never post content that could be perceived as threatening or violent. If you’re frustrated, find private, safe ways to express yourself instead.