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Checking a candidate's shared portfolio, with consent

Candidates for design, engineering and content roles often send a username instead of a résumé link: "my work is on GitHub, Behance and Dribbble under the same handle." With the candidate's consent, a username search can confirm those profiles exist and open them in one place. It is a convenience for reviewing work the candidate chose to share. It is not a background check.

Free, no sign-up. Up to five usernames, 3,450+ sites. The username is not stored or logged.

Read this first: what this page does not cover

Results from this tool must not be used for hiring, promotion, retention or any other decision covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or similar laws. We are not a consumer reporting agency, and the tool is not built, tested or allowed for screening people. Don't use it to search a candidate's personal accounts, look for social media they did not give you, or assess their character, beliefs, health, family or any protected trait. See our terms of use and responsible use policy.

The narrow problem it solves

A candidate tells you their portfolio handle and names the sites they use. Opening each site and typing the handle by hand is slow, and it is easy to land on a stranger with a similar name. Checking the exact handle the candidate gave you on the sites they listed, and opening only those profiles, is quicker and less error prone.

How the tool helps, within that scope

Enter the handle the candidate shared and filter the results to the coding or art categories they named. Each site comes back as Found, Not found, Blocked or Unknown. Treat every one of them as a lead to verify, not a verdict. For Found results the tool shows public profile details where available, such as display name and avatar, so you can confirm you are on the profile the candidate meant before you open it. Ignore results on sites the candidate didn't list. If a listed site comes back Not found, Blocked or Unknown, ask the candidate for the direct link rather than drawing any conclusion.

Step by step

  1. Ask for consent and the exact links. Ask the candidate which public portfolio sites and handle they want you to review, and get their consent in writing, for example in an email reply.
  2. Search only the handle they gave you. Enter that handle and filter to the categories that match the sites they listed, such as coding or art.
  3. Open only the profiles they listed. Confirm the profile on each named site matches what the candidate described, then review the work itself. Skip everything else in the results.
  4. Ask the candidate about gaps. If a named profile does not come up, ask the candidate for the direct URL. Sites block automated checks and handles change.
  5. Do not store the results with hiring records. You do not need to export anything. Evaluate the portfolio work through your normal interview process and criteria.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this tool to screen job candidates?

No. We are not a consumer reporting agency, and results must not be used for hiring or any other decision covered by the FCRA. This page covers only opening portfolio profiles a candidate shared with you, with their consent.

Can I search for a candidate's personal social media?

No. Only check the handle and sites the candidate gave you for their work. Searching for personal accounts, beliefs or private life is outside what this tool allows.

What if a portfolio site the candidate listed shows Not found?

Ask the candidate for the direct link. A Not found, Blocked or Unknown result can come from a site change, a block or a typo, and it says nothing about the candidate.

Do candidates get notified?

No. The tool does not contact anyone, and the username is not stored or logged on our side. Telling the candidate what you will review is part of getting consent.

Is there a paid or enterprise version for HR teams?

No. The tool is free, needs no sign-up, and is not offered for employment screening.

Related tools and guides

FreeUsername is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the WhatsMyName project, Sherlock, Maigret or any site it checks. Results are leads to verify.