Is Your Social Media Scaring Employers Away? What Trade Job Seekers Need to Know in 2026
Managing your job seeker social media is critical. Almost ALL* hiring managers will google a job applicant’s name to view their Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social sites.
Why? Most just want to get a sense of the candidate’s personality. No, it’s not about negative content.
So, if you are looking to make a career move, or get into a field you have been studying for, it’s a good idea to look from the outside in — at who you seem to be from a social media perspective!
A little creativity along with a professional online presence and a personality that’s friendly – can go a long way to putting you at the top of a hiring list.
Good communication is important too! Watch your spelling, grammar, and use of social slang for trade job seekers.
Needless to say (we hope) inappropriate photos and comments about alcohol and drug use are bad news… IF you want your social media sites to help you with your job search!
Other DON’Ts are:
- Bad-mouthing previous employers
- Complaining about current employers or co-workers
- Negative comments about race, religion and gender are all job-hunting turnoff
Benefits that employees look for outside of common work perks:
- 30% are seeking a four-day work week
- 28% hope to have their birthday off
- 24% seek mental health and wellness benefits
- 21% prefer to work remotely full-time
- 16% would like paid sabbatical leave
- 13% would be interested in pet insurance
- 10% look for fertility or new baby benefits
Notably, perks related to work schedules supersede financial offerings for employees including a signing bonus (28%), student loan repayment (20%), childcare or daycare stipend (19%) and tuition reimbursement (15%).
*CareerBuilder/Harris Poll, 2022
Yes. Studies show that nearly all hiring managers Google job applicants before making hiring decisions. They review platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social sites to get a sense of a candidate’s personality and professionalism.
Common social media mistakes include bad-mouthing previous employers, posting inappropriate photos, sharing drug or alcohol-related content, using excessive slang, and sharing controversial political or personal opinions. These red flags can immediately disqualify a candidate.
A skilled trades worker should use a professional headshot, list certifications and licenses, highlight completed projects, include keywords related to their trade (e.g., HVAC technician, licensed electrician, master plumber), and request recommendations from past employers or supervisors.
Beyond wages, top blue collar employers offer flexible schedules such as 4-day work weeks, mental health and wellness benefits, remote or hybrid options where possible, paid birthday leave, pet insurance, and student loan repayment programs to attract and retain skilled trade workers.
Share this post
More Resources
You are one click away from launching a rewarding trade career.
