Youngsters posting on social media could endanger their future employment prospects in the Isle of Man.

More than 90 per cent of employers look at postings such as Facebook or Twitter, the Examiner has established.

Debbie Scrimshaw, a director at Douglas-based Paragon Recruitment, told us: ’Current statistics are averaging that 92 per cent of companies are using social media for hiring, which is an all time high and isn’t just limited to LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat - the digital footprint left behind can have both positive and negative impact on an individual’s job search and "personal brand".

’Key tips to consider include timelines. For example posting during working hours, or complaining about your job, boss, colleagues or clients. And you should regularly review privacy settings and any content into which you are tagged.’

Rob Kinrade is a director of ExpolCheck Limited, which has been conducting screening and vetting investigations since 2008 for clients both on and off the island.

He said: ’Our investigations are always carried out with the applicant’s written consent which then allows us to obtain information such as credit scores, criminal convictions, employment history and references. The use of social media is an integral part of each inquiry.

’It never ceases to amaze me what people say via social media, no matter what their age.

’Young, and those who perhaps should know better, use their media to share their opinions with "everyone" - and that is the point.

’Once it has been published online then it is there for "everyone" to see. It is not private.

’Even when you think it has been deleted, it’s probably not and could turn up at any time in the future to haunt you.  

’We regularly read posts which are clearly incorrect and sometimes offensive, racist or discriminatory.

’What I find amazing is that people have signed up with their prospective employer knowing full well that we are going to carry out an investigation into their background and they still do not attempt to sanitise their online profiles. 

’One particular applicant even spoke out on Facebook about his future employer in very derogatory terms but he said he needed the money that the job would provide!’

The JobCentre has a team of advisers who provide a range of impartial advice and guidance around careers choice, employment assistance and vocational skills development.

As part of that advice, how a candidate portrays themselves to a potential employer in all forms is addressed.

Andrew Stewart, group manager for employment and skills at the Department of Economic Development, said: ’Clearly, with changing technology and the growth of social media platforms, potential employers may well seek to research candidates online before considering them for employment.

’So how young people behave online is becoming increasingly important in relation to future employment and they are encouraged to use a sensible approach to what they choose to share publically.

’Even if there are powers to allow posts to be deleted, and the right to be forgotten exists, there are real, practical challenges in withdrawing anything from the internet when it has been published. Therefore we would encourage people to always carefully consider how they could be viewed in the future by prospective employers.’

Ballakermeen High School head teacher Adrienne Burnett agreed, saying: ’This is something we take very seriously. As part of our personal, health and social education programme, we advise our students about the importance of using social media responsibly. The police also deliver sessions for us, which always has a significant impact.

’In the sixth form, the point is made that, as an employer of over 100 teachers, I usually check on a candidate’s digital footprint when they apply to work here. We are aware that young people make mistakes, and learn from them, and we would welcome them having an opportunity to remove youthful indiscretions from social media.’

In the UK the Conservative party recently announced plans to give people the right to demand that social media companies delete any embarrassing content they posted before they were 18. If requested, companies such as Facebook and Twitter would be obliged to erase such material.

That move might be copied by the Isle of Man although when social media platforms are international, there may be no guarantees that big companies would spend a lot of time ensuring they were abiding by Manx law.

Debbie Scrimshaw said: ’The "right to innocence" measure could of course make a positive impact in the future; our advice to job seekers at all levels is to take responsibility and manage your online presence proactively and positively, to maximise opportunity and mitigate potential risks.

’We also recommend job seekers consider all personal information available to employers, from credit scores to references, and testimonials to qualification verifications.’

Rob Kinrade added some further practical guidance.

’My advice to anyone using social media is keep it clean,’ he said. ’Do not starting posting nonsense after a drink or two.

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’It may seem funny to you and your friends at the time but any time down the line when you are applying for a new job then it could be the difference between you being successful or not.

’In such a competitive world, where some employers are lawfully obliged to screen candidates, then you need to be squeaky clean. If not then there will be somebody else who will steal a march on you.

’As a rule of thumb, assume whatever you post online is discoverable; the internet is now effectively your CV.’