Social media profile impacts job search

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Facebook isn’t just another place for some fun as recruiters, bosses and employers are keeping a watch on what you share

While most of us know about the benefits of social networking in a professional scenario, not many are aware about its dire consequences on one’s job. According to a recent survey by UK’s Eurocom Worldwide 2012 technology market, 5 among 11 companies are rejecting job applicants based on their social media profile. Mads Chisterson, network director at Eurocom Worldwide was quoted saying, “In the years ahead many of us will be challenged by what we are making public in various social forms today.”
A study by researchers at Cornell University claims that resumes shared by traditional or private medium are artificially embroidered, whereas in the social media profile search, employers can see the candidate’s real capabilities, interests and mindset. And the recruiters couldn’t agree more.
Prashant, who works with a recruitment firm, tells us, “What you’re doing in the virtual space has become really important for companies today. They want to know it all. They can scan through your tweets, follow you on other networks. It’s important as people are more upfront and honest about their thoughts on social networks. Your profiles speak volumes about your personality today.”
When content writer Meru deleted her boss from her Facebook profile, next day she was bombarded with both work and criticism in their weekly meeting. “I blocked him from my profile and told him this space is very personal. My colleagues and I would often mock him in our posts and when he figured it out, we were all in trouble. Now he’s in everyone’s friends’ list and we’re very careful about what we talk on FB. It’s no more just a personal space for fun,” she says.
Then there are others who try and create an image in front of their colleagues by altering the content they share on social networks. “When I switched on to a better brand, I deleted many random posts by my friends, ex colleagues and others. There’s a lot that your profile talks about your life and you’ve got to be selective about what you want to share. For instance, you can’t really have pictures of a gala time with close pals on a profile where you have your colleagues too,” says Raghav Saluja, who works with an MNC.
On being added by her senior, Monica Nathani, who works with a consultancy firm, deleted her profile and made a new one. “You can’t find me on Facebook anymore and I’ve deleted my old profile. The new one has a funny name which only my friends and family know of. Today bosses want to know all about our personal lives. I don’t think it’s fair, so I made a new profile,” she says.

Few names changed on request