A recent UK survey by CareerBuilder.co.uk found that a surprising number of employers use social networking sites for screening when recruiting people. The survey said that a total of 27% currently use (15%) or plan to start using (12%) social networking sites to screen job candidates. Which begs the question: How good a marketing tool is YOUR profile?
Factors reported in the survey affecting hiring decisions in a negative way include an inappropriate screen name(!), poor communication, provocative or inappropriate info and/or images, drug use or criminal activity, running down previous employers or employees, sharing confidential info from previous companies, discriminatory language etc.
Tony Roy, CareerBuilder.co.uk’s MD warns; “Employers are not just using these sites to eliminate candidates, many are also viewing these tools as a way to get a more well-rounded view of a candidate…Social networking profiles can also give job seekers an edge over the competition. Candidates can use their profiles to better position themselves, network and provide additional information that cannot be found on a resume.”
Factors that affected hiring decisions in a positive way included a background that supported the application and qualifications, good communication skills, a professional image, good references or endorsements from others, a wide range of interests, awards or accolades and creativity.
But it doesn’t end there. Increasingly, employers are finding applicants on social networking sites to fill roles. A surprising 15% said they currently use these sites to recruit potential candidates or plan to do so in 2008. Roy said; “Nearly half of employers say on average it takes them more than two months to fill an open full-time position… Employers are increasingly exploring new ways to connect with potential candidates.”
Top tips to clean up your act in a hurry:
•   Be ruthless. Remove all pictures, screen names, links, content, comments etc that might do you harm in the job market.
•   Update regularly and don’t be afraid to sing your own praises, or get others to endorse your achievements.
•   Be selective. That “Bring down the government” discussion group may be fun but it may also cost you a job. Watch your friends and don’t accept friend requests indiscriminately.
•   In the same vein, monitor comments from others – even block comments that might drop you in it!
•   If all else fails, guard your privacy and hide your profile from anyone but friends and contacts. But remember, this is the equivalent of turning up to an interview in sunglasses… so use with caution.
