Rate My Placement

This was a comment that a colleague of mine said to me today that I thought was particularly relevant to users of RateMyPlacement. We were having a discussion over a number of articles that have appeared in the press over the last few months regarding employers using social networking websites to check out potential recruits.

 I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s got a few photos on Facebook that they probably wouldn’t want their employer to see! You know the ones, those nights in the Union that you can’t really remember, and there’s always a camera knocking about!

According to recent research, 20% of employers have used social networking websites such as Facebook to run searches on potential employees, whilst 68% have used search engines to check on candidates. If you haven’t done it recently, try ‘Googling’ yourself and check what comes up, because there’s a high chance your potential work placement employer will be doing exactly that! As my colleague said, it’s important to manage your own ‘online brand’ and ensure there’s nothing online that you wouldn’t want your boss or colleagues to see!

So, next time you’re tagged in a photo or video - just remember who may be able to see it, particularly if you’re in the process of applying for work placements - you never know who might be checking you out!

As always, we’d love to hear your comments and opinions on this, and if anyone has ever actually missed out on an employment opportunity because of something ‘incriminating’ online - let us know the story!

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Posted by Chris on 20th February 2008 in Blog.