With more people joining social networks each day, a new survey has found that a growing number of employers are assessing job applicants based on their online profiles.
The survey, conducted by business social network Viadeo, found that one in five employers have searched for and found personal information on job candidates on the web, and 59% said this has influenced their decision.
The emergence of blogs and social networks such as MySpace and Facebook has led to a growing number of people leaving significant online footprints.
However, the survey found that a quarter of HR decision makers have rejected candidates based on this information.
“These results should act as a wake-up call to anyone who has ever posted personal information online,” said Peter Cunningham, UK country manager at Viadeo.
“When people who are not the original intended audience - such as potential employers - find this information it can have a major impact on their decision making process,” he added.
Reasons given by employers for rejecting candidates based on their internet reputation included: ‘His MySpace website showed a negative side to him including excessive alcohol abuse and disrespect for his job' and 'We found that the candidate was personally into some activities which did not fit ethically into my company.'
“Employers can now use social networks to assess job applicants, verify CVs or even find ideal candidates based on online profiles,” added Cunningham.
The survey also found that information found online can work positively for job applicants, if the content is appropriate and presented in the right way.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
