Employers using social networks in hiring process

More than one in five employers search social networking sites to screen job candidates, according to a survey of more than 31,000 employers released recently by CareerBuilder.com.

Of the hiring managers who use social networks, one-third said they found information there that caused them to toss the candidate out of consideration for a job.

The study found that the number of hiring managers that are turning to social networks such as MySpace and Facebook to delve into candidates' online behaviour is increasing quickly — only 11% of managers used the technology in 2006, whereas now, 22% of employers say they already are perusing the social networks, and an additional 9% say that they are planning to use the method to screen candidates.

The top areas of concern found on social networking sites include:

• Information about alcohol or drug use (41% of managers said this was a top concern);
• Inappropriate photos or information posted on a candidate's page (40%);
• Poor communication skills (29%);
• Bad mouthing of former employers or fellow employees (28%);
• Inaccurate qualifications (27%);
• Unprofessional screen names (22%);
• Notes showing links to criminal behaviour (21%); and
• Confidential information about past employers (19%).

The study did find that 24% of hiring managers found content on social networks that helped convince them to hire a candidate. Hiring managers said that profiles showing a professional image and solid references can boost a candidates chances for a job.

"Hiring managers are using the internet to get a more well-rounded view of job candidates in terms of their skills, accomplishments and overall fit within the company," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.com.

"As a result, more job seekers are taking action to make their social networking profiles employer-friendly. Sixteen per cent of workers who have social networking pages said they modified the content on their profile to convey a more professional image to potential employers."

CareerBuilder recommends that job seekers:

• Remove pictures, content and links that can send the wrong message to potential employers;
• Update social networking profiles regularly to highlight latest accomplishments;
• Consider blocking comments to avoid questionable posts; Avoid joining groups whose names could turn off potential employers; and
• Consider setting profile to private so only designated friends can view it.