Why social networking could be bad for your career

Posted in Media

Regular readers may have already heeded our warnings about inappropriate posts on social media sites but a recent survey acts as a timely reminder, particularly with the job market on the move.

53% of companies recruiting staff have rejected potential candidates who have posted provocative or inappropriate photos or information about themselves according to a survey by Career Builder.

The research found that:

• 45% of employers currently use social networking sites to research job candidates (up from 22% last year). One in ten employers search blogs, 29% use Facebook, 26% use LinkedIn and 7% follow Twitter to check out potential candidates.
• Of these employers, 35% have found information (e.g. badmouthing previous employers, poor comms skills, or lying about qualifications) on social networking sites that have caused them not to hire candidates.
• Other application no-no’s include those that used emoticons or text speak in their e-mails or covering letters.
• “With more market competition for less jobs, don’t let your social media presence be the reason a potential employer takes you off the shortlist”, advises Lynne. “At the very least, ensure your privacy settings are set up correctly”.