In my March blog I wrote about the power of social media as a networking resource. But job seekers are not the only group to leverage this tool. Record numbers of employers and hiring managers rely on Social Media to research applicants as part of their candidate evaluation process. According to an Ohio State Law School publication an estimated 91% of employer’s review an applicant’s social media profile as part of their candidate vetting. This is up from 39% just two years ago. In a survey of recruiters and hiring Managers by Career Builder 60% of respondents noted they are looking for information that support the candidate’s stated qualifications while 56% say they want to see if a candidate has a professional online persona. However, 21% replied that they are, in fact, looking for “red flags” or said differently reasons not to hire someone. Of these respondents 61% noted they have found something that caused them not to move forward with an applicant. Top reasons given include:
• 46%- Inappropriate photos
• 34%- Bad-mouthing past employers, professors or their schools
• 29%- Discriminatory comments related to race, religion, gender
Hiring decision makers are closer to applicants than ever. According to Facebook the average pair of its users has just 3.46 degrees of separation between them. As a job seeker your responsibility includes a social media profile that is appropriate and supports your resume. Remember- you only get one chance to make a first impression!