Jobseekers Warned About Online Reputation

Almost half of HR managers have chosen not to recruit a job candidate as a result of a negative online profile, according to research from Microsoft.

In support of Data Protection Day 2010 the study, which surveyed consumers and HR managers, examined the real life consequences that online reputation has for jobseekers.

While 41% of UK HR managers have rejected a candidate due to their online profile, almost two-thirds (64%) believe it is appropriate to consider personal online reputational information while evaluating potential employees.

As a candidate, failing to be aware of your online presence clearly has serious implications on recruitment and yet, just 37% of individuals believe that the responsibility for protecting their online reputation lies entirely with them.

In Europe, the UK is taking the lead on Germany and France in terms of HR managers’ use of social media. In Germany, just 16%of HR professionals have rejected a potential employee due to content online and in France its just 14%.

However, the gap between countries decreases rapidly when asked for predictions for the future. ln the UK, 68% believe that online reputational information will be used five years from now when evaluating job applicants which compares to 79% in Germany and 65% in France.