Of those hiring managers who have screened job candidates via social networking profiles, one-third (34 percent) reported they found content that caused them to dismiss the candidate from consideration. Top areas for concern among these hiring managers included:
- 41 percent -- candidate posted information about them drinking or using drugs
- 40 percent -- candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information
- 29 precent -- candidate had poor communication skills
- 28 percent -- candidate bad-mouthed their previous company or fellow employee
- 27 percent -- candidate lied about qualifications
- 22 percent -- candidate used discriminatory remarks related to race, gender, religion, etc.
- 22 percent -- candidate's screen name was unprofessional
- 21 percent -- candidate was linked to criminal behavior
- 19 percent -- candidate shared confidential information from previous employers
- 48 percent -- candidate's background supported their qualifications for the job
- 43 percent -- candidate had great communication skills
- 40 percent -- candidate was a good fit for the company's culture
- 36 percent -- candidate's site conveyed a professional image
- 31 percent -- candidate had great references posted about them by others
- 30 percent -- candidate showed a wide range of interests
- 29 percent -- candidate received awards and accolades
- 24 percent -- candidate's profile was creative
Haefner recommends the following tips to keep your online persona in a favorable light:
- Clean up digital dirt. Make sure to remove pictures, content and links that can send the wrong message to a potential employer before you start your job search.
- Update your profile regularly. Make sure to include specific accomplishments, inside and outside of work.
- Monitor comments. Since you can't control what other people say onyour site, you may want to use the "block comments" feature.
- Join groups selectively. While joining a group with a fun or silly name may seem harmless, "Party Monsters R Us" may not give the best impression to a hiring manager. Also be selective about who you accept as "friends."
- Go private. Consider setting your profile to "private," so only designated friends can view it.