As more people sign up for social networking sites, more hiring managers and HR pros are screening candidates based on their profiles. And not just to dig dirt.
Almost half (45%) of hiring managers said they use Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites to research applicants, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey — more than twice the amount who said so a year ago.
Companies often reject candidates based on their profiles. About 35% of the respondents said they’ve turned down a candidate because of the online screen. Reasons for rejection mentioned by those managers:
- Provocative or inappropriate photographs (53%)
- Evidence of drinking or drug use (45%)
- Insults directed at previous employers or bosses (35%)
- Poor communication skills (29%)
- Discriminatory or hateful comments (26%)
- Information that conflicts with a resume (24%), and
- Sharing of confidential information from current or previous employers (20%).
It’s not quite as common, but managers are also going online and finding reasons why they should hire someone — 18% said they’ve made a positive decision based on an online profile. Those hiring managers found:
- Evidence the person would be a good personality fit (50%)
- Info that backs up a resume (39%)
- Creativity (38%)
- Solid communication skills (35%), and
- Compliments and positive references posted by other people (19%).
