As Facebook's registered users continues to grow, so does the site's use of employment screening. In 2009, nearly half of United States based companies used Facebook to screen potential employees. According to a Career Builder survey of 2,600 hiring managers, companies that used social media sites to research potential job candidates increased 22 percent from 2008. The most likely industries to screen job candidates through social media or online search engines are those that specialize in technology and sensitive information, such as Information Technology, 63 percent, and Professional & Business Services, 53 percent.
Out of the total number of employers who conduct online searches or background checks for potential employees
- 29 percent use Facebook
- 26 percent use LinkedIn
- 21 percent use MySpace
- 11 percent search blogs
- 7 percent follow candidates on Twitter
DO's:
1) Clean up digital dirt before you begin your job search. Remove any photos, content and links that can be used against you in an employer’s eyes.
2) Consider creating your own professional group on sites like Facebook or BrightFuse.com to establish relationships with thought leaders, recruiters, and potential referrals.
3) Keep gripes offline. Keep the content on your site focused on the positive, whether that relates to professional or personal information. Makes sure to highlight specific accomplishments inside and outside of work.
DON'Ts:
4) DON’T forget others can see your friends, so be selective about who you accept as friends. Monitor comments made by others. Consider using the “block comments” feature or setting your profile to “private” so only designated friends can view it.
5) DON’T mention your job search if you are still employed.
Top Reasons Companies Do Not Hire Potential Candidates After Screening Online
Thirty-five percent of employers reported that they have not hired a job candidate because of content on their social networking site.
The top reasons companies do not hire potential candidates are:
Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information – 53 percent
Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs – 44 percent
Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients – 35 percent
Candidate showed poor communication skills – 29 percent
Candidate made discriminatory comments – 26 percent
Candidate lied about qualifications – 24 percent
Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer – 20 percent
Candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as a smiley face- 14 percent
Candidate used text language such as GR8 (great) in an e-mail or job application- 16 percent
Top Reasons Companies Do Hire Potential Candidates After Screening Online
Eighteen percent of employers reported that they have hired a job candidate because of content on their social networking site.
The top reasons companies do not hire potential candidates are:
Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit – 50 percent
Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications – 39 percent
Candidate was creative – 38 percent
Candidate showed solid communication skills – 35 percent
Candidate was well-rounded – 33 percent
Other people posted good references about the candidate – 19 percent
Candidate received awards and accolades – 15 percent
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