Networking sites become recruitment platform

Networking sites become recruitment platform

Almost 27 per cent of employers in UK use social networking sites to hire job candidates

Monday, October 13, 2008

BANGALORE,INDIA: If you thought social networking sites are only meant to build personal relationships, you are on the wrong side.

If a recent survey conducted by www.careerbuilder.co.uk, an online job site, is any indication, there are many employers too come hunting for work force in social networking sites.

According to the survey, 27 per cent of employers in the UK are either currently using such sites to research potential job candidates or plan to start.

Almost 15 per cent of employers said that they currently screen potential employees on social networking sites and another 12 per cent said although they have not attempted the sites for employees they have intended to start the search, said a press release.

However, some of the employers stated that a few reasons like poor communication skills, use of discriminatory comments related to race and gender, linking to criminal behavior, submitting fake information about qualifications etc have stopped them from hiring candidates through networking sites.

But those who preferred the networking sites say they get more reliable information from such sites – as it conveyed a professional image, submitting a creative profile, mentioned great references posted about them by others etc solidified their decision to hire the candidate.

"Employers are not just using these sites to eliminate candidates, many are also viewing these tools as a way to get a more well-rounded view of a candidate," said Tony Roy, managing director, careerbuilder.co.uk.

He added that social networking profiles could also give job seekers an edge over the competition and candidates could use their profiles to position themselves and provide additional information that cannot be found on a resume.

Roy recommended a few tips for an attractive take on social networking sites which include: updating profile regularly, avoiding cyber dirt such as pictures and content that send a wrong message to a potential employer, discretion in selecting friends, setting profile to "private," so that only designated friends can view it.

©CyberMedia News