I saw this report and found it interesting.... thought I would share :)
"As social networking becomes increasingly widespread, more employers are using these sites to screen potential employees.
More than half (53%) of employers reported in a recent CareerBuildere survey that they use social networking sites to research job candidates. Another 12% plan to start using social networking sites for screening.
Among employers who conduct online background checks of job candidates, 43% use search engines, 12% use Facebook and 12% use LinkedIn. Three percent search blogs and 4% follow candidates on Twitter.
Top reasons why employers disregarded candidates after screening online:
- Candidate lied about qualifications - 38%
- Candidate showed poor communication skills - 31%
- Candidate made discriminatory comments - 13%
- Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs - 10%
- Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information - 9%
- Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients - 9%
- Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer - 8%
Top reasons employers hired candidates after screening online:
- Profile supported candidate's professional qualifications - 61%
- Candidate showed solid communication skills - 41%
- Candidate was well-rounded - 37%
- Profile provided a good feel for the candidate's personality and fit - 28%
- Candidate seemed creative -24 percent Candidate conveyed a professional image - 22%
- Candidate received awards and accolades - 15%
- Other people posted good references about the candidate - 15%"
So, I guess the moral of the story is be careful what you post on your personal social media sites, it may come back and bite you in the butt.
