Forty-five Percent of Employers Use Social Networking Sites to Research Job Candidates, CareerBuilder Survey Finds.

If you are an active job seeker then this headline should make you raise an eyebrow.

Careerbuilder surveyed 2,600 employers of which 45% reported they used social networking sites to research candidates.

Here are some of the other findings that the survey revealed.

Job seekers are cautioned to be mindful of the information they post online and how they communicate directly with employers. Thirty-five percent of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them not to hire the candidate. The top examples cited include:

* Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information - 53 percent
* Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs - 44 percent
* Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients - 35 percent
* Candidate showed poor communication skills - 29 percent
* Candidate made discriminatory comments - 26 percent
* Candidate lied about qualifications - 24 percent
* Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer - 20 percent

Fourteen percent of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon such as a smiley face while 16 percent dismissed a candidate for using text language such as GR8 (great) in an e-mail or job application.

If you don't think that your social media profiles are important during your job search, then think again. Take a moment and review your profiles. Clean them up if necessary! A good social media presence can really help you land the job. A bad social media presence can extend your job search unnecessarily.

Employers also gave reasons why they hired candidates after screening them online.

* Profile provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality and fit - 50 percent
* Profile supported candidate’s professional qualifications - 39 percent
* Candidate was creative - 38 percent
* Candidate showed solid communication skills - 35 percent
* Candidate was well-rounded - 33 percent
* Other people posted good references about the candidate - 19 percent
* Candidate received awards and accolades - 15 percent

Read original article: Career Expert Provides DOs and DON'Ts for Job Seekers on Social Net...