45% of employers check social networking sites before hiring (NYT)
I’m surprised the number isn’t higher. An employer is doing themselves a disservice by not checking online for mentions of a potential hire before offering them a job.
The survey mentions social networking sites, but doesn’t say what percentage of hiring manager just do a simple google search. I wouldn’t specifically go to the social networking sites. I’d google a potential hire’s name and see what comes up. Their Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter profiles should be on the first page, unless they have a very common name.
One of the commenters on the NYT article says,
Why don’t HR people try doing their JOBS instead of using stupid social media sites to screen candidates?? Spare me. What laziness.
I think the HR people who are doing Internet searches as part of the screening / hiring process are actually doing their job better.
Hi, I'm Greg. I'm a cofounder of Killer Aces Media. We publish community blogs like