Employees beware! What do your posts say about you?

Employees beware! What do your posts say about you?

Person typing on their mobile phone

Those 280 characters  …. are they being used to determine your suitability for a job?


According to IBM researchers there is a high correlation (80%) between analysing posts compared with psychometric tests. People can be classified as 1 of 5 main personality traits, depending on the posts you write:


  • Extroversion
  • Agreeableness
  • Conscientiousness
  • Neuroticism
  • Openness


Software and AI tools can scan user posts across multiple social media channels to determine a personality profile, which in turn can impact your suitability for a particular position.


IBM Research also noted some interesting observations from users’ posts:


  • The longer the words you use, the more likely you are to get along with your colleagues
  • If you use words like “we”, “friends” and “family” then you are likely to be more caring


It is a reminder to us all that you need to be mindful of the words, comments and photos you choose to display on your social media profiles, not only on X, but also on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Google Plus … More employers are putting greater emphasis on googling your social media profiles before conveying offers to candidates.


Related reading:

Share

Legal People at ALPMA's 2026 event
June 29, 2026
We explore how Melbourne's legal hiring market has fundamentally changed, from "job hugging" and mid-level lawyer shortages, to areas of law facing talent shortages.
Photo collage of TalentX Melbourne May 2026 event
May 28, 2026
In May Legal People attended the RCSA Talent X event. This article explores our strongest takeaways as they relate to legal recruitment.
A jigsaw puzzle with missing middle pieces, and beaded letters spelling 'Missing' in their place
May 19, 2026
We explore why mid-career (3-5 year) lawyers leave their employer or career, and how they are critical to a law firm's profitability, client service and succession.
View all News & Insights