facebook failWhat we have long suspected has been confirmed by a Eurocom worldwide study. 40% of companies looking to hire staff check the social media profiles of interviewees. “Those party or holiday photos that seemed such a good idea at the time to post on social media websites could damage your career prospects,” commented Ronnie Simpson of Simpson FT PR. “37% of tech firms examine social media profiles to determine potential employees’ suitability for the job.”

In addition to the fair warning on social media the Eurocom Worldwide survey also finds that over a third (37%) of technology companies surveyed have a corporate blog, only slightly more than last year (33%). The major barrier to corporate blogging is that it is too time consuming, cited by 39% of respondents. Almost a third (32%) don’t see the value of it.

Pat Phelan of Cubic Telecom, who was recently named as Irish tech blogger of the year, (www.patphelan.net) commented, “It is surprising that 60% of technology companies do not blog. Despite the significant time commitment it is a highly cost-effective way of generating global profile and website traffic.”

56% of those who blog do so to improve interaction with customers. Over a third (34%) blog to raise profile and thought leadership. If you are working and like to social network – keep the personal apart from the professional; don’t add your boss to your Facebook page as in the example above.

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