Most employers now use social networking sites to screen candidates with almost half claming that what they had viewed on such sites had caused them to think twice about hiring a candidate, according to a survey from CareerBuilder.co.uk.

The survey of more than 450 employers found that 53% used social networking sites to research job candidates, while 12% plan to do so.

Around 43% of employers said what they had seen on social networking sites had caused them not to hire the candidate.
 

The top reasons were:

• Candidate lied about qualifications – (38%)
• Candidate displayed poor communication skills – (31%)   
• Candidate used discriminatory comments – (13%)   
• Candidate posted content about their use of drink or drugs – (10%)   
• Candidate uploaded provocative or inappropriate photographs or information – (9%)
• Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, colleagues or clients – (9%)
• Candidate shared confidential information from workplace – (8%) 

Half of employers said they had found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate.  

The top reasons were:

• Profile substantiated candidate’s professional qualifications – (61%)
• Candidate displayed good communication skills – (41%)   
• Candidate seemed well-rounded – (37%)   
• Profile gave a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit – (28%)
• Candidate was perceived as creative – (24%)
• Candidate gave off a professional image – (22%)
• Candidate had received awards and accolades – (15%)     
• Contacts had posted good references about the candidate – (15%)