In this episode of Work’s Not Working… Let’s Fix It!, Siân Harrington sits down with Susie Thomson, chair-elect of the Professional Background Screening Association, to ask a question every young person, parent, careers adviser and employer should be thinking about: what happens when your digital identity becomes part of the hiring process? Most young people know they need a CV. Fewer realise they may already have another one: the posts, comments, photographs, likes and online traces that create an impression before they ever walk into an interview. And this matters now. Entry-level jobs are under pressure, AI is reshaping early-career work and competition for graduate and school-leaver roles is fierce. At the same time, social media screening is becoming a more common part of background checks, with employers looking for potential reputational, conduct and safeguarding risks. Susie explains what social media screening actually involves, what employers are looking for and where the line sits between legitimate due diligence and unfair judgement. She also explores why context matters, how LinkedIn can help young people show curiosity and potential, and why schools, universities and employers need to do far more to explain the hidden rules of digital employability. Whether you’re a student, graduate, parent, educator, HR leader or recruiter, this episode is a practical guide to understanding the digital footprint that may already be shaping someone’s chances of getting hired. Key takeaways Social media screening is growing. Employers are increasingly using online checks as part of pre-employment screening, while informal searches by hiring managers still happen in the background.Your online presence can work for or against you. Employers may look for risk signals, but they may also see positive evidence of volunteering, industry interest, communication skills and curiosity.Context matters. A single post can be misleading if it is taken out of context, and good screening should be consistent, transparent and relevant to the role.Young people often do not know the rules. Many students, graduates and school leavers are unaware that their digital footprint may be part of the hiring process.LinkedIn is becoming part of employability. A good profile can help young people build networks, show interest in an industry and present themselves professionally without exaggerating.Digital identity is a social mobility issue. Young people with access to informed parents, relatives or schools may get advice others never receive.Employers need fair processes. Social media screening must avoid bias, protected characteristics and casual judgement by individual managers.Listen to the full podcast to pick up other tips! Interested in insights about people leadership, HR and the future of work? Seize and shape the future of work with The People Space, a leading digital HR magazine for forward-thinking leaders. We empower you to put people at the heart of work, navigating the evolving intersection of technology, business and human insight. Join us in building a future where people and machines collaborate for a more human-centric workplace Sign up for our free fortnightly newsletter on the future of work, human-centric organisations and people-first leadershipFollow Siân on LinkedInAre you an HR professional seeking to raise your profile or thinking of becoming an independent consultant? I can help!HR vendor or consultant? Check out how I can help you reach senior HR leaders. Follow The People Space on Facebook
