If the hiring manager at your target employer—or your current boss—did an Internet search on your name right now, what would they see? And would they be impressed with your intelligence and professionalism, or turned off by your attitudes and habits?
There’s a reason that people are being cautioned about what they post on their social media accounts—it could come back to haunt you when it’s time to look for a job.
Multiple studies show that more than 75% of employers actively research candidates online. They show further that more than 70% have decided NOT to hire a candidate based on what they’ve found
Sure, some analysts are claiming that this opinion is outdated. They say that the pervasiveness of social networking sites, combined with the way the younger generation practically lives online, means that nobody would be hired if this is true. But attitude change takes time. Right now, not too many employers are going to feel good about hiring the guy doing illegal acitivies or bragging about his weekend drug use.
And with 77 percent of employers Googling and otherwise researching applicants, you can’t take the chance that your future boss may disapprove of your digital footprint and move on to the next candidate.
What do employers NOT want to see when they look you up?
- Information about alcohol or drug use (41% of managers said this was a top concern)
- Inappropriate photos or information posted on a candidate’s page (40%)
- Poor communication skills (29%)
- Bad-mouthing of former employers or fellow employees (28%)
- Inaccurate qualifications (27%)
- Unprofessional screen names (22%)
- Notes showing links to criminal behavior (21%)
- Confidential information about past employers (19%)
Having the Internet at their fingertips means companies have access to a gold mine of information about potential hires. If a potential employer finds unflattering material about you online—whether it’s a picture on Facebook, an entry in your blog or a video you post on YouTube—you may find yourself waiting for a job offer that never comes.
One of the biggest benefits of working with an experienced recruiting firm like Synerfac is our ability to help you put your best foot forward, in person and online. Give us a call to find out how we can help you find your find a great job, or browse our employment opportunities today!