This weekend I was reading several studies, some more formal than others, which focused on the major reasons behind why some prospective employees succeed in gaining employment while others do not. One common theme across the various studies was the increasing reliance of employers upon online tools, including social networking sites, to gain information on prospective employees. Specifically, it appears that some employees who may otherwise have done well in an interview process fail to secure jobs because of online information about them which dissuades the employer from making a formal offer.

These studies serve to confirm what I long suspected: the online world is becoming meaningfully integrated into the so-called “real” world. Specifically, the internet, including social networking sites, is rapidly becoming an investigative tool upon which employers form opinions of prospective employees. Although the studies I reviewed focused on prospective employees, the findings can be applied equally to employers. Specifically, information which employers post online can significantly inform the impression formed by a variety of individuals and groups, including existing clients, prospective clients, as well as prospective employees. Both employees and employers would therefore be wise to ensure that online content which is available to others is both accurate and consistent with the image which they wish to portray to the public.

A good approach is for individuals and organizations to ask themselves candidly whether they are comfortable with others viewing all content about them which is available online. If not, the content should be modified as necessary. This process should also ensure that information which is particularly sensitive is removed from the public sphere. Such a reflective approach can help to ensure that online information is both positive and consistent with the goals of both employees and employers. Regardless of the specific content the guiding principle should remain the same: what is online is also on mind!

Sharaf Sultan