In a survey done by Careerbuilder.com last year, it was revealed that a whopping 45% of employers surveyed (from US mainly) use social networking sites to check out on their job applicants. The two most popular sites are Facebook and LinkedIn. Interestingly, the employers are using the information posted as basis for rejection of applicants.

I’m certain this trend is slowly catching up on our Malaysia shores. With the explosive growth of these social networking sites especially Facebook (which has just exceeded the 500 million users mark), you can find almost everyone you know on board. Employers and recruiters realize that.

From the report, it was said those employers who did surf the social networking sites, 35% reported rejecting a candidate thanks to data they found there.

Look at these stats as to the reasons why, and how many of the employers acted on such data:

• Provocative or inappropriate photos or info—53%

• Drinking or drug use—44%

• Bad-mouthing previous employee, colleague or client—35%

• Poor communication skills—29%

• Discriminatory comments—26%

• Lied about qualifications—24%

• Leaked confidential info from previous job—20%

If you are a job seeker and have an account with any of these sites, does this shock you? Most people get into Facebook for the very reason of networking, socially. It is about connecting with old friends, expressing and sharing your joys and pains and once in a while, silly thoughts. Everything is done on an informal basis. Am I going to be rejected just because I use manglish to communicate with my friends? It just doesn’t make sense.

But let’s take a deep breath. Your account is going to stay no matter what. You are not going to delete your Facebook or LinkedIn account just because you are actively looking for a job. As you are now warned the potential danger of your profile being “spied” on, what can you do about it? These are some suggestions:

• Completely hide your profile from public view. Check your private settings and make the necessary changes.

• Delete old postings and clean up inappropriate comments made by your friends in your Facebook page.

• Edit your profile page and choose information and words carefully. Ask this question frequently, “Would a prospective employer be offended with this statement?” Common sense will tell you any statement that is racist or offensive towards certain groups of people will not put you in good light. Take them out!

• Remove inappropriate pictures – pictures of you being drunk, compromised situations, having too much fun, and etc.

Knowing prospective employers may be snooping on your profile is not all bad news. Do you know if done correctly, this can turn in your favor instead? You can leverage on your profile to advertise your skills. Yes, it’s your little advertisement corner about you. Build it in such a way to impress and give the employer more reasons to hire you.

From the same survey, look at the reasons why a profile helped a company to choose an employee: 38% of employers said it was because the candidate was creative, 35% was thanks to “solid communications skills” and 33% was because it made candidates look “well rounded.”

Is it time to do some house keeping?