The Effects of Social Media on Hiring

Jeremey Pridgen

April 13, 2015

MED 410 Advanced Media Project

Instructor: Ivana Popovic

Outline

• Introduction

• Abstract

• Social media sites

• Employers

• Potential employees

• Current employees

• Solutions

• Conclusion

• Works Cited

• Questions

Introduction

• This presentation will:

• discuss how employers, before they hire them, screen applicants’ social media usage.

• discuss both negative and positive aspects of social media usage.

• give suggestions for successful social media usage.

Abstract

• “Numerous reports have emerged concerning employers’ use of social media to screen job candidates and monitor employees.” This research examined how the screening is used, whether it is right or wrong, whether it infringes on our First Amendment rights and what it means for us as applicants. Research also offers solutions for better online presence.

Social Media Sites

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Twitter

Employers

Search online for negative content:

• Foul language

• Alcohol/drug use

• Character

• Provocative behavior

• Lack of professionalism

• Hatred/violence

• Sexual or explicit posts

• Religious posts

Search online for positive content:

• Conflict-resolution

• Character

• Current events

• Community service

• Volunteer work

• “Fit the part”

• Positive messages

• Religious posts

Potential Employees

Current Employees

Solutions

• Set profiles on social media to private.

• Use social media for business purposes instead of a place to vent or express emotions.

• Do not air your laundry on social media.

• Post with a purpose.

Conclusion

• Social media are powerful tools that, if used the right way, can be beneficial.

• Employers have the right to monitor your online behavior.

• Employers will look at your social media usage and use that information in the hiring process.

• Be careful what you post – someone is always looking!

Work Cited

Stoughton, J. William, Lori Foster Thompson, and Adam W. Meade. "Big Five Personality Traits Reflected In Job Applicants' Social Media Postings." Cyberpsychology,Behavior & Social Networking 16.11 (2013): 800-805. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Schoeff, Mark Jr. "Bill Seeks To Expand Right To Religious Expression At Work." Workforce Management 85.4 (2006): 3-4. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Estlund, Cynthia L. "Freedom Of Expression In The Workplace And The Problem Of Discriminatory Harassment." Texas Law Review 75.4 (1997): 687. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

STRUMWASSER, LILY M., lstrumwasser@seyfarth.com. "Phishing On Facebook: Do You Ask Job Applicants For Their Social Media Passwords?." Federal Lawyer 60.8 (2013): 64-69. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015

Gibeaut, John. "Professional Finger-Pointing." ABA Journal 84.4 (1998): 89. Academic Search Premier. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Schott, Richard G. "Religion In The Public Workplace: Regulation And Accommodation." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 76.6 (2007): 23-32. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W.Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Schott, Richard G. "Religion In The Public Workplace: Regulation And Accommodation." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 76.6 (2007): 23-32. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Segal, Jonathan A.1. "Should Employers Use Social Media To Screen Job Applicants?." HR Magazine 59.11 (2014): 20. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015

LANNOM, ANDREA. "Social Media Checks in Hiring/Firing." State Journal (WV) 23 Sept. 2011: 21. Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 2 Apr. 2015

Blacksmith, Nikki, and Tiffany Poeppelman. "Three Ways Social Media And Technology Have Changed Recruitment." TIP: The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist 52.1 (2014): 114-121. Academic Search Complete. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Brand, Paula1, paulabrandcprw@gmail.com, and Shahrzad2, shahrzad@careerconsultmd.com Arasteh. "USING LINKEDIN And TWITTER For JOB SEARCH And CAREER MANAGEMENT." Career Planning & Adult Development Journal 29.3 (2013): 33-44. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Ehrenreich, Barbara. "Zipped Lips." Time 147.(1996): 80. Readers' Guide Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 2 Apr. 2015.

Questions?