1 in 5 Tech Firms Rejected a Job Applicant Because of Social Media

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Social media profiles are a great way to network and promote yourself, both personally and professionally, but they are also a great way to sabotage yourself with stupid, incriminating content.

And indeed, it turns out that one out of five technology firms has rejected a job applicant because of something they included on their social media profile, according to the 2012 annual technology market survey conducted by Eurocom Worldwide and its associated agencies.

This finding is especially remarkable because a previous wave of the study found that only around 40% of the tech executives surveyed were even looking at profiles of job applicants at all. While that number has probably increased, the fact remains that a large proportion of executives who look at social media profiles are finding something they don’t like.

Mads Christensen, Network Director at Eurocom Worldwide, offered a summary of the findings which makes me want to climb in bed, turn the lights out, and pull the covers over my head forever: “The 21st century human is learning that every action leaves an indelible digital trail. In the years ahead many of us will be challenged by what we are making public in various social forums today.”

More positively for social media, the Eurocom survey also found that 49% of tech executives said they plan to increase spending on social media in the next year. Of course, social media is still haunted by the unresolved question of ROI, as 57% of surveys said they are still unable to measure the impact of social media spending.

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3 comments on "1 in 5 Tech Firms Rejected a Job Applicant Because of Social Media".

1. Sean Grace from CoupSmart
   

   commented on: March 19, 2012 at 5:25 p.m.
   Not surprising. I would like to see some examples of what exactly was inappropriate - photos, political/religious views, discussing of company business, etc. I know most of us know to be careful and think twice about what we post. But, is there something that we're not thinking of? Regarding the last point about ROI, that 57% looking for ways to precisely measure their social media ROI are why we are in business. It is a clearly an issue for many companies.
2. Vanessa Vazquez from Independent Consultant
   

   commented on: March 21, 2012 at 11:21 a.m.
   The quote of “The 21st century human is learning that every action leaves an indelible digital trail. In the years ahead many of us will be challenged by what we are making public in various social forums today.” Is true, I have friends they don't have personal filters and post EVERYTHING on their status update. Sadly some of them are job hunting. Talented but they have not being able to find to land a great job.
3. Rochelle Brooks from nesssweet.com
   

   commented on: March 22, 2012 at 11:32 a.m.
   Today's technological innovation has forced many people who can not adapt to natural selection, survival of the fittest, which is laws like iron hard

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