UNIVERSITY students who display drunken photos on their social media profiles could be damaging their chances of gaining job interviews after they complete their degree.
A recent survey of UK human resources professionals found that 90% of employers search for unprotected social media profiles in order to assess a candidate’s suitability for a position.
Around 70% said they would turn down an applicant who had drunken or nude photos online.
The research suggested that the majority of 18-25 year olds had never reviewed their online profile, even though it could potentially have a great impact on their career prospects.
According to the study, recruiters were checking Facebook (85 per cent); Twitter (47 per cent); YouTube (23 per cent); Instagram (16 per cent); Flickr (15 per cent).
Recruiters say that young adults are not managing their profiles effectively, with nearly half concluding that this age group are unaware of the need to act responsibly online.
72% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn to conduct their searches, although only one in three employers fully trust the information that candidates post about themselves on the site.
65 per cent also view the content they find online about a candidate as very important.
Over half of the employers who partook in the survey say that they had turned down a job applicant based on their online profile.
Within a competitive job market, there are major advantages for savvy-candidates to differentiate themselves by proactively managing, and contributing to their online profile.
In contrast, over two thirds of HR professionals had been positively influenced by the online presence of a job applicant.
Tony Anscombe, Senior Security Evangelist for AVG Technologies which carried out the research said: “AVG’s latest research shows that the Internet and social networks in particular, has changed the way that HR professionals approach the recruitment process.
“Nowadays, online content posted about, or by a candidate, has become the modern-day equivalent of a first interview. Our research emphasises that our digital brand is potentially just as important as our CV.
“AVG encourages consumers to take control of their online privacy and more than ever, young adults need to proactively manage their online brand to avoid missing out on career opportunities.”
