Social networking sites offer potential employers a look inside - Career Sniff - Veterinary Job Finder
Social networking sites offer potential employers a look inside

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Having trouble landing a job? Your MySpace page may be to blame.

CareerBuilder.com recently surveyed more than 3,100 employers and found that 22% of hiring managers are using social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook to investigate potential employees. And that number looks to be rising, as an additional 9% of respondents said they plan to start using similar methods.

Nearly one-third of the managers who use social networking sites stated that the information they obtained ruined the candidate's chances of getting the job. Inappropriate photos and information, evidence of drinking or using drugs, and poor communication skills were listed as the top red flags.

However, not all profiles were harmful. In fact, 24% of hiring managers said that the information they found actually worked in the candidate's favor. They sighted great communication skills, showing a wide range of interests, and being a good fit for the company's culture as a few of the top persuaders.

Regardless of whether or not you agree with this practice, it seems as though it's here to stay. So, if you're in the market for a new job, be mindful of the personal information you post on the World Wide Web. You never know what a potential employer may find offensive. If you're not willing to update your information, at least change your settings to private, so only your friends and family can view your profile.

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