According to a study by CareerBuilder.com, 45% of employers are now searching social networking sites for information about job candidates. Their searches are almost evenly divided among Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn. In addition, some are reading blogs and following candidates on Twitter.
What does this mean for you, the job seeker?
The study goes on to summarize a few reasons you might be accepted or rejected based on what you have put out there in cyberspace. Employers may reject you if:
- You have posted inappropriate, gross, drug-influenced material,
- You communicate poorly (spelling, grammar, overall appearance),
- You lie about your qualifications for the job.
On the other hand, your online presence can work for you if:
- You seem to be a good fit for the company,
- You show creativity,
- Your entries support the qualifications you claim to have.
This is a fascinating study, and I urge you to read the whole story. You will see that your online identity cannot be ignored in your job search, but rather it can be a real plus to you. Don’t self-destruct by careless comments or unwarranted bragging. Ask a friend – call a career counselor – be your own most severe critic. Clean up that site now!
To read the whole story, go to:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr519&sd=8%2f19%2f2009&ed=12%2f31%2f2009&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr519_
To get help in repairing or enhancing your online presence, please contact me through my website: www.anneheadley.com.
