Yes, bosses are checking your social accounts. Here’s proof

So you’ve finally gotten your dream job. We’ve previously discussed how , but now you’re employed. You should be home free, right?

Wrong.

At the sidelines of , a seminar mounted by business students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in their campus last February 21, SparkUp asked human resources experts on whether or not your current employer looks at your social media accounts. Are your own social media accounts considered public space or a private space for all your rants, raves, and sassy commentary?

Multinational companies tend to check their employees’ LinkedIn and Facebook accounts, and have IT staff dedicated to this task.

Darwin Rivers, President of the Philippines HR Group (PHILHRG, Inc.) and seasoned HR practitioner, said that multinational companies tend to check their employees’ LinkedIn and Facebook accounts, and have IT staff dedicated to this task.

“Whether you’re an employee for a small or large company, what you need to remember is think before you click,” said Rivers. “Whatever you put on social media will reflect on who you are as a person.”

“It’s best that you use social media advantageously for your career, in terms of networking with people, fellow professionals who can help you develop your skill sets and broaden your network,” he added. “It will ensure that in the long run that you’ll have people to help you in growing your career.”

“Social media should be used as a tool to network, for knowledge, and to develop,” is Ramos’ key belief when it comes to being a social media‑savvy employee. “Don’t use social media as a way to vent.”

Privacy, he believes, is a primary responsibility of the social media account owner.

Anthony Santos, the HR and administration officer of the International Cabin Attendant School (ICATS), said that social media is something that their company takes seriously.

“We consider it a public space,” he told SparkUp. “In businesses today, it’s important that you’re transparent. Your customers and patrons have expectations from the moment they get in contact with you.”

This expectation of social media being a public space applies not only to the company’s social media accounts but also to the accounts of the employees. “Employees carry the brand of the company,” Santos said. “So there should be a limit on how they act.”

Just like how you’d probably hide filter out your most embarrassing teenage moments and drunk parties from your parents, prudence should also be practiced when it comes to your social media presence with employers and the public.

Social media has come a long way from being private blogs on journal sites and anonymous board sites. With everything being integrated on sites like Facebook and Twitter, social media has become a public space. At least through the eyes of your employer.