Social Networks Can Ruin Your Job Potential
While it doesn’t necessarily have to do with online safety, the message here is clear: parents – know what your kids are doing and saying on MySpace. If you don’t future potential employers will… and there’s a chance it will ruin the chance of a job.
All the more reason to utilize parental control and monitoring software like our PC Pandora. Check this out…
September 12, 2008 – 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 by CareerBuilder.com this week.
Of the hiring managers who use social networks, one-third said they found information on such sites that caused them to toss the candidate out of consideration for a job, the survey said.
The study found that the number of hiring managers that are turning to social networks like MySpace and Facebook to delve into candidates’ online behavior is increasing quickly: Some 22% of employers said they already peruse social networks to screen candidates, while an additional 9% said they are planning to do so. Only 11% of managers used the technology in 2006.
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 behavior (21%)
- 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 candidate’s 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,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder.com, in a statement. “As a result, more job seekers are taking action to make their social networking profiles employer-friendly. Sixteen percent 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.
- Consider setting profile to private so only designated friends can view it.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Thanks for the information about social networks and future careers. I currently teach Computer Lit. to 7-12th grade students and I am always looking for resources that will show them that what they do online has an impact on their personal lives. Generally I focus more on the safety aspect of using social networks, but with seniors who will be going on to college (I suspect major universities also check out social websites.) or entering the work force this serves as a good reminder that more than just their friends are checking out what they do online.
I like how the article pointed out that what employers found at these social networks could also help them get a job. I also like the recommendations on how to set up a social network that might assist you in getting a job or maybe into to a college of their choice. I think too many times we focus on what not to do rather than what our students should be doing. Social networks, like the Internet in general, can be a valuable resource if used correctly and responsibly.
September 16th, 2008 at 2:25 PM
YES! Colleges are checking! Kids today don’t understand what privacy is — unless they are yelling at their parent’s about it. They don’t realize that a social networking page is basically a billboard, and you are no longer anonymous to the world. Never, except for celebrities and political figures, has there been this unprecedented information for the common person. But here’s the catch, it’s all up to that person what is show n and displayed. Ids just don’t get it. Those fun pictures of them getting tanked at age 16 with their friends will cause them the loss of a college acceptance. The pictures of them smoking weed and “chillin’” with their friends will cost them a job! HELP TEACH THIS TO KIDS BEFORE THEY EFF UP THEIR OWN LIVES! I commend you CMBill!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:31 AM
[...] week I came across a story and did a post (Social Networks Can Ruin Your Job Potential) on the idea that employers are now checking social networking sites to find profiles of [...]