Headhunting Using Social
Networks
According to a survey from CareerBuilder.co.uk, 27% of employers in the UK
said they either currently use social networking sites to research
potential job candidates or plan to start. Specifically, 15% of employers
said they currently screen potential employees on social networking sites
and another 12% said although they do not, they intend to start. Some are
also using social networks to find candidates.
Some of
the content on social networking sites that employers have said caused
them not to hire candidates include:
-
Candidate had poor communication skills
-
Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information
-
Candidate posted information about them drinking or using drugs
-
Candidate bad-mouthed their previous company or a fellow employee
-
Candidate shared confidential information from previous employers
-
Candidate lied about qualifications
-
Candidate used discriminatory comments related to race, gender,
religion, etc.
-
Candidate had an unprofessional screen name
-
Candidate was linked to criminal behavior
"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," said Tony Roy, managing director of CareerBuilder.co.uk.
"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."
Hiring
managers who said they researched job candidates via social networking
said the following content helped to solidify their decision to hire a
candidate:
-
Candidate's background supported their qualifications for the job
-
Candidate had great communication skills
-
Candidate was a good fit for the company's culture
-
Candidate's site conveyed a professional image
-
Candidate had great references posted about them by others
-
Candidate showed a wide range of interests
-
Candidate received awards and accolades
-
Candidate's profile was creative
"Nearly
half of employers say on average it takes them more than two months to
fill an open full-time position," said Roy. "Employers are increasingly
exploring new ways to connect with potential candidates."
Roy
recommends the following tips to favorably position yourself on social
networking sites:
-
Clean up digital dirt. Make sure to remove pictures, content and links
that can send the wrong message to a potential employer before you start
your job search.
-
Update your profile regularly. Make sure to include specific
accomplishments, inside and outside of work.
-
Monitor comments. Since you can't control what other people say on your
site, you may want to use the "block comments" feature.
-
Join groups selectively. While joining a group with a fun or silly name
may seem harmless, it may not give the best impression to a hiring
manager. Also be selective about who you accept as "friends."
-
Go
private. Consider setting your profile to "private," so only designated
friends can view it.
This
survey was conducted online within the U.K. by Harris Interactive on
behalf of CareerBuilder.co.uk among 289 hiring managers and human resource
professionals ages 18 and over between June 2 and June 13, 2008.
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