Tools Companies Use to Check References
CareerBuilder.com did a survey of 3,169 HR managers and asked how many screened applicants by checking their profiles on social-networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace.
- 22% said they used the sites to do applicant-background checks, up from 11% a year ago.
- 34% of those who used the sites said they found something that immediately led to disqualifying the applicant as a viable candidate.
- 41% who disqualified candidates said they were motivated to do so because of profile info about drinking or drug use; 40% said they nixed candidates because of inappropriate photos.
- Another 9% said they didn’t do research on social-networking sites but planned to do so in the near future.
On the plus side, 24% said they found info that improved the candidate’s chances of getting hired — such as qualifications, good communication skills or imaginative use of social networking.
BOTTOM LINE
If you are job hunting, examine your profile at social networks and be careful what you are posting. It will not be difficult for a HR rep to contact one of your friends on a social network. Examine what your friends are posting. If a friend posts about the great parties you are throwing, it may not go over well with HR.
What you can do is delete your account, and create a new profile tailored to appeal to potential employers.
You can also make your social networks private so only your approved friends have access.