Companies are increasingly using social media to advertise positions and vet applicants was one of the findings of a University of Aberdeen study.
The university’s career service is running a project called OPEN, which has surveyed both students and employers to understand how to improve students’ “digital employability”.
Results indicated that a positive online “footprint” can be a good opportunity for backing up a job application.
It can, however, also lead to employers writing off those who post abusive comments or reveal bad presentation skills and negative personality traits.
OPEN pointed out that online apps like Reppler or Klout show job-hunters how their online image is actually seen by others on social networks.
They work by analysing posts on friend networks, looking at the tone and words used and awarding a score on how “clean” your image is, with advice on how to tighten up security on sites such as Facebook.
The top site for employers to vet candidates was LinkedIn, followed by visits to candidates’ own blogs and websites.
Personal information was also gained from web searches, although some companies said they did not have the time or resources to vet job-seekers.
Companies that did, looked for evidence of knowledge of the field they want to work in, how smart and professional a profile was and evidence of whether the applicant had a suitable personality.
Students and graduates can visit the project to learn more about how to market themselves successfully online at projectopenabdn.wordpress.com