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According to the recent study, Online Reputation in a Connected World, commissioned by Microsoft, it is clear that the majority of people do not realize the importance of online information and how it can affect their lives.
The study looked at what part information found online plays for job seekers applying for employment. Americans seem very unaware that their online information is being searched and included in the screening process because only 7% of Americans thought it was an issue when in fact 78% of the recruiters surveyed are conducting ‘search engine’ searches, 63% are checking your social networking sites and 59% are browsing your photo and video sharing sites.
Based on information found online, 58% of recruiters rejected candidates based on concerns about the candidate’s lifestyle and 55% rejected candidates because they found unsuitable photos or videos.
The lesson: we live in a highly connected world and what is found online about us does matter. ‘Post’ and ‘send’ with caution.
