When it comes to job searching, every picture, tweet, status update, eBay transaction and online poker hand matters, a new study suggests.
The Microsoft study found that 79% of prospective employers review online information about job applicants ‹ and they look at pretty much everything.
Microsoft asked 1,200 hiring and recruitment managers in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and France what they use to research applicants.
They found that 78% use search engines, 63% use networking sites, 59% use photo- and video-sharing sites, 57% use professional networking sites, 48% use personal websites, 46% use blogs, and 41% use news-sharing sites.
But recruiters aren't just interested in your online resume and Twitter feed - they also want to know what you're buying on eBay, what transactions you're making on Craigslist, whether or not you're a member of Team Edward on a Twilight forum and how often you play poker.
According to the report, 34% of employers browse forums, 32% look at virtual worlds, 27% check gaming sites, and 25% look at classified and auction sites.
"Of particular concern is the depth and breadth of information that recruiters are seeking about candidates. Traditionally, recruiters have had clear restrictions on the types of information they can ask candidates. This included restrictions on asking about their families, their affiliation to religious, political or other groups, their financial situation, medical condition, and so on," wrote the report's authors.
"Now, recruiters can easily and anonymously collect information that they would not be permitted to ask in an interview, and the survey found that recruiters are doing just that." According to Microsoft, most people don't realize how much their Internet activity affects their chances of landing a job.
For example, in the U.S., only 7% of consumers surveyed said they believe information about them online affected their job search, whereas a whopping 70% of employers said they've rejected candidates based on online searches.
Nick Taylor-Vaisey, 24, works as a freelance reporter in Ottawa and keeps meticulous track of his digital footprint, which includes a personal website, a blog, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
He says he's seen friends get into trouble over things they've posted online.
But his carefully crafted online identity has landed him gigs and contacts.
He says he tries to project an image that's both professional and personable.
"I want employers to see a mature online voice that's pretty diverse in content. I suppose it's sort of like trying to impress a girl. Do I see prospective employers in the same way as potential girlfriends? Maybe that strategy doesn't work, because I'm much better at getting a girlfriend than a job."
Links:
Report: http://www.microsoft.com/privacy/dpd/research.aspx
