Online Caution

If you’re job-hunting, don’t forget your Facebook page may be scrutinized by potential bosses. Your social media presence may help your job prospects if you convey a professional image and a pleasant personality. Employers look for evidence of a well-rounded person with a range of interests, and good communication skills.

You may be surprised to learn that four out of 10 managers check out social networking sites as part of their recruitment process, and these figures are rising. So your online presence could help you get the job of your dreams – or wreck your chances completely.

Prospective bosses check out the site for evidence of dishonesty and lying, inappropriate behaviour, drug abuse, or poor communication skills. They also look for comments you may have made about former employers or colleagues, and racist or sexist remarks.

These findings are part of a survey conducted online by Harris Interactive© on behalf of global human resource company CareerBuilder from February 11 to March 6, 20l3.

Make sure your image is squeaky clean by Googleing  your own name and watch out for your friends’ posts too – you may have to ask them to remove unintentionally incriminating comments.