Employers Use Social Networking Sites To Research Candidates
Employers Use Social Networking Sites To Research Candidates
Sept. 12, 2008 — Social networking sites like facebook and myspace are being used for more than socializing. According to a survey of 3,100 employers by CareerBuilder.com, one in five employers say they use the Web sites to research job candidates.
According to CareerBuilder, 22% of hiring managers said they use social networking sites to check up on potential employees; this is up from 11%; in 2006. Nine percent of respondents said they didn’t currently use social networking sites to screen job applicants, but intend to start. Of the respondents who used a social networking site to check up on candidates, 34% said they found content or information that caused them to remove the candidate from consideration, according to the study.
The information on personal profiles that caused hiring managers to think twice about candidates included: candidate posted information about them drinking or using drugs, posted provocative or inappropriate pictures or information, had poor communication skills, bad-mouthed a former employer or co-worker, lied about qualifications, used discriminatory remarks, screen name was unprofessional, was linked to criminal behavior, and revealed confidential information about previous employers.
On the plus side, 24% of hiring managers said they found content that gave one candidate an edge and enforced their desire to hire the person. Top influences found on social networking sites that impressed hiring managers include: candidate’s background supported their qualifications for the job, had great communication skills, person was a good fit for the company’s culture, their personal site illustrated a professional image, had great references posted about them by others, showed a wide range of interests, had received awards or accolades, and their personal profile was creative.
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