Recruiters check networking sites to screen potential employees
By: Amir Kurtovic
Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: News
Social networking Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace have become a staple in the lives of college students. But those too careless about what they post on their blog or Facebook wall risk not getting the dream job they've been going to
college for.
Hiring managers are increasingly using social networking Web sites to research potential employees. A survey of 3,100 employers released by www.careerbuilder.com showed 21 percent of managers searched for job candidates on sites such as MySpace and Facebook in 2008; only 11 percent did so in 2006. Another 9 percent said they planned to start using social networking sites in the
hiring process.
The study also revealed that 34 percent of managers screening candidates on social networking sites reported finding information that caused them to not hire the candidate. The top reasons included information posted about alcohol and drug use (41 percent), inappropriate photographs (40 percent) and poor communication skills
(29 percent).
But some experts in the field of social networking and online job search believe this survey understates the current trend. While the Careerbuilder survey is less than six months old, the exponential growth of Web sites similar to Facebook makes them an attractive destination for managers and Human Resource professionals.
"There is a lot of talk in the (human resource)/recruiter space about social networking tools for attracting young talent, and I guarantee that the 21 percent stat is going to increase," said Jason Alba, chief executive officer of www.jibberjobber.com and author of "I'm on Facebook - Now What???"
Seventy-five percent of 18- to 24-year-olds who go online have a profile on at least one social networking site, according to a recent Pew Research
Center survey.
"Pretty much everybody I know has an account," said Jeff Allen, a senior audio production major and MySpace and Facebook user.
College students are getting used to the idea of having their profiles viewed by potential employers. A 2008 survey of about 19,000 college students conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that 51 percent of respondents expected an employer to view their profiles.
college for.
Hiring managers are increasingly using social networking Web sites to research potential employees. A survey of 3,100 employers released by www.careerbuilder.com showed 21 percent of managers searched for job candidates on sites such as MySpace and Facebook in 2008; only 11 percent did so in 2006. Another 9 percent said they planned to start using social networking sites in the
hiring process.
The study also revealed that 34 percent of managers screening candidates on social networking sites reported finding information that caused them to not hire the candidate. The top reasons included information posted about alcohol and drug use (41 percent), inappropriate photographs (40 percent) and poor communication skills
(29 percent).
But some experts in the field of social networking and online job search believe this survey understates the current trend. While the Careerbuilder survey is less than six months old, the exponential growth of Web sites similar to Facebook makes them an attractive destination for managers and Human Resource professionals.
"There is a lot of talk in the (human resource)/recruiter space about social networking tools for attracting young talent, and I guarantee that the 21 percent stat is going to increase," said Jason Alba, chief executive officer of www.jibberjobber.com and author of "I'm on Facebook - Now What???"
Seventy-five percent of 18- to 24-year-olds who go online have a profile on at least one social networking site, according to a recent Pew Research
Center survey.
"Pretty much everybody I know has an account," said Jeff Allen, a senior audio production major and MySpace and Facebook user.
College students are getting used to the idea of having their profiles viewed by potential employers. A 2008 survey of about 19,000 college students conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that 51 percent of respondents expected an employer to view their profiles.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
order brides
posted 3/23/10 @ 8:20 AM CST
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
Post a Comment