With the popularity of social networking sites, blogs, and online forums on the rise, recruiters and hiring managers are turning to Internet search engines to gain a more complete picture of job seekers, and more than a third have eliminated a candidate based on the information uncovered.
According to a recent survey of 100 executive recruiters conducted by ExecuNet, the leading executive job search and recruiting network, 77% use search engines to learn more about candidates. Of those who use sites such as Google (GOOG) and Yahoo! (YHOO) to check the background of job seekers, 35% have eliminated a candidate from consideration based on the information uncovered online ñ up significantly from 26% just one year ago.
ìAs the amount of personal information available online grows, first impressions are being formed long before the interview process begins,î says Dave Opton ExecuNet CEO and Founder. ìGiven the implications and the shelf life of Internet content, managing your online image is something everyone should address ñ regardless of whether or not youíre in a job search.î
A separate survey of 136 executives reveals that while the vast majority (82%) expect companies and recruiters to enter their name into a search engine during the course of their next job search, one-in-three (33%) have never actually conducted a search of their own name to determine what information about their personal or professional lives exists online.
ìConducting searches for your own name is something that should been done on a regular basis,î says Opton. ìUntil youíre aware of everything thatís connected to your name online, itís impossible to try to overcome any potential employer objections.î
The survey also found that 16% of executives fear that the information found online when entering their name into a search engine could eliminate them from consideration for a new job, and 13% have taken proactive steps to increase the positive information that appears following an Internet search for their name.
To help executives improve the quality of their online image, ExecuNet offers the following guidelines:
Use caution. Avoid posting negative comments on blogs, social networking profiles, and online forums. Anything connected to your name online can be viewed as a reflection of your character and integrity.
Search yourself. Enter your own name into multiple search engines on a monthly basis to stay informed on what personal and professional information exists online.
Be proactive. Seek advice when attempting to counter or explain ìdigital dirt.î
Be honest. If the academic qualifications, company information, and titles on your resume donít match with whatís found online ñ potential employers will be quick to move on.
ExecuNet, the leading executive job search and recruiting network, provides exclusive access to confidential six figure job listings, expert advice, and high-level business connections for professionals while helping corporate and search firm recruiters find qualified executive candidates. Founded in 1988, ExecuNet helped transform the executive recruiting industry by launching the first website designed to bring together senior-level professionals and search firms.
Growing Number Of Job Searches Disrupted By Digital Dirt
According to a recent survey of 100 executive recruiters conducted by ExecuNet, 77% use search engines to learn more about candidates
