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Nearly Half of Employers Screen Social Media Profiles

HR departments use Facebook, MySpace as source of information on candidates

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2009 4:45 PM CDT

(Newser) – It’s becoming increasingly likely that a prospective employer will check your Facebook, MySpace or LinkedIn profile, Mashable reports. A recent survey found that 45% of human-resource departments search the social-media profiles of prospective employees, with another 11% planning to institutionalize a social-networking screen in the near future. And recruiters don’t always like what they see: 35% had disqualified an applicant over objectionable content.

However, sometimes the extra information afforded by social-networking sites is a boon: 18% of employers said that they had found something in a screening that caused them to hire the candidate.

A screen shot taken from Facebook.
A screen shot taken from Facebook.   (AP Photo)
The Facebook logo. 45% of employers in a recent survey say they will look at the profile of a prospective candidate.
The Facebook logo. 45% of employers in a recent survey say they will look at the profile of a prospective candidate.   (Facebook.com)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
scootersrockin
Aug 25, 2009 1:40 AM CDT
This is horse shit!
Unaffiliated
Aug 24, 2009 3:45 AM CDT
I think it's important to manage your internet identity and be aware of what potential employers will see when they search for you. As others have already suggested, make your profile private, and be careful who you accept connections from on social networks. I don't mind companies doing this at all, and I would totally Google someone and search for them on Facebook before I interview them for a job.
cochiserocks
Aug 21, 2009 9:18 AM CDT
dude - some folks are worse than the paparazzi and will stick up 'amusing' or 'embarrassing' photo's the same day they snap them - do you really want to see your headmaster in his Speedo's - or your Doctor drunk at her wedding, or maybe even find out that your P.A. like Metallica, - you might not care - but you may be surprised at how many folks at Clear Channel would get fired for something most wouldn't worry about - point is - it is none of anyone's business and wouldn't effect your work ability.

 
social networking • MySpace • Facebook • LinkedIn • employers • Recruiters • employees • Jay-ZTV • social media

 
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