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Here’s a factoid that will cause you to shudder if you’re the type of person who likes to vent their frustrations in social networking forums. According to a survey released today by CareerBuilder, some 45% of employers are now perusing social networking sites to research job candidates. That’s more than double the percentage of employers that were doing so last year.

CareerBuilder also found that another 11% of those surveyed plan to start using social networking sites for screening, meaning the odds will soon be better than 50/50 that potential employers will be combing through everything you’ve said or written online.

Of those who conduct online searches or background checks of job candidates, 29% reported using Facebook, 26% LinkedIn, and 21% MySpace. One-in-ten (11%) search blogs while 7% report following candidates on Twitter. The survey did not provide information to this effect, but you can also bet potential employers are also doing general Google searches of candidates’ names.

“Job seekers are cautioned to be mindful of the information they post online and how they communicate directly with employers,” the job search site warns. “Thirty-five percent of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them not to hire the candidates.”

The results of the survey shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but they do drive home the fact that you should be cognizant that your online life could have a very real impact on your real-world life. I know that in the past, when looking at hiring potential writers or editors, I have done Google searches to see what they’ve written and where they’ve written it. I usually like to find authors who aren’t afraid to be opinionated, but that’s an asset when you’re in the news business. In other professions, it can be considered a red flag.

In fact, CareerBuilder points to the following as examples of postings in social networking forums that caused employers not to hire a candidate:

• Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information – 53%
• Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs – 44%
• Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients – 35%
• Candidate showed poor communication skills – 29%
• Candidate made discriminatory comments – 26%
• Candidate lied about qualifications – 24%
• Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer – 20%

While the survey obviously serves as a warning for how you conduct yourself online, CareerBuilder notes that does not mean you should avoid social networking sites.

“Social networking is a great way to make connections with potential job opportunities and promote your personal brand across the Internet,” says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at the Chicago company. “Make sure you are using this resource to your advantage by conveying a professional image and underscoring your qualifications.”

Comments (2)

	1. 08-19-2009 13:18
	Of course, this does raise the question of what you can do if you may have already posted things online that you now regret. Some things may be difficult to eliminate, but you may be able to delete any photos or content that cast you unprofessionally. Then be pro-active, update your profile to put your best foot forward and consider carefully the people or groups of people you accept as friends. Registered

Mel Duvall

	2. 09-04-2009 14:48
	Not only do employers know what you’re saying on Facebook, it appears so does the taxman.  The Wall Street Journal published a report saying that state revenue agents have begun scanning social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to determine if people may be hiding income. In one case agents lowered the boom on a tax evader who stated on his MySpace account that he would be returning to his hometown to be a real estate broker. In another example, a Nebraska man boasted of getting a big gig to deejay a party. Tax agents were able to connect with the man to collect their share.    Just goes to show you, you can’t always pick your “Friends”. Registered

Mel Duvall

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