Response to ëThe Internet is Forever, not just for todayÖ the dangers of online networking sitesí

By Peter Cunningham, UK Country Director, Viadeo

Itís true that the careless use of social networking sites can jeopardise career prospects, as highlighted by Steve Bailey of BackgroundChecking.com. For example, prospective employers may decide to disregard me altogether if they found negative information about me on the Internet. In fact, earlier this year research from YouGov and Viadeo revealed that one in five employers find information about candidates on the web and 59% say it influences their recruitment decision. These results certainly provide pause for thought. But, it is clear that many people are still unaware of these risks, as proven by the array of ëfacebookí exposs in 2007, from the group of employees from 118118 who were actually sacked from their jobs after trading insults about their customers on Facebook, to the Oxford University students being fined for posting inappropriate images on their personal facebook pages.

In an age where people are leaving an increasing amount of digital footprints across the internet, it is important for them to be aware of the consequences of leaving personal information online. Once you post online, it is in the public domain for all to see and this includes your employers and potential employers, including HR directors. A simple Google search on your name can unearth a wealth of information, some of which you may well not want people to see! Whilst Internet users need to be aware of these risks, they also need to think about the positive impact social networks can have on their careers.

The positives?
While the tabloid press has concentrated on the woman who was turned down from a job on the basis of some ìunfortunateî topless photos found online, social networking also has its advantages. The YouGov research also revealed that information found online can work positively for job applicants, with many HR decision-makers actually taking the decision to recruit people on the basis of extra materials discovered online.

For example, we have all struggled to include all of our skills, experience and interests in a single page CV or application form in the past. Recruiters can now find excellent background information, examples of previous work or any relevant blogs or websites about candidates by simply Googling their names. Even better, having an online profile on a business network like Viadeo provides a recruiter or head-hunter with some degree of confidence in the information before them as business social networking sites present personal information in a professional manner and give great insight into a candidateís career history. HR personnel may also use social networking profiles to check CV information to reduce the risk of the information being doctored or concocted to fit a certain role. Social network profiles are far more likely to be accurate, as people are less likely to lie in front of their friends on the Internet.

But most usefully of all, employers looking to recruit new staff can find them through business social networks very efficiently. These networks provide a goldmine of up-to-date member-generated information, which make an excellent platform to recruit for those difficult to place jobs such as Six Sigma or SAP consultants or sensitive jobs such as senior executive positions.

Furthermore, while the executive recruitment process would take a long time in the past, it is now becoming far simpler with the help of business social networks. For example, Viadeo has now teamed up with GoldJobs to provide an exclusive networking environment for top-level executives commanding salaries of over 100,000. As a result, it is far easier for executives to be targeted with exclusive top-level job offerings, events invitations and business information.

While Steve Bailey has highlighted the potential security risks associated with social networking, it must be noted that this is not always the case. Business social networks like Viadeo do not ask for any in-depth personal information that could be used by a fraudster to secure a false identity and people should always ensure that they keep details about their hobbies, address and telephone number to themselves. It is plain to see that people need to be far more careful with their personal information than ever before. But, it is also more important to recognise the positive aspects of social networks for both recruiters and candidates. For job-seekers, it is essential that they have an online profile which reflects their professional achievements and allows them to connect with business associates. By doing so, they can positively influence their NetReps and improve their chances of securing their dream job. For recruiters and HR directors, business social networks should be viewed as a vital tool for discovering new talent across the world.

By Peter Cunningham, UK Country Director, Viadeo