19 Apr 2010
Almost 40% of Companies Check Social Media Profiles of Potential Employees – Eurocom Worldwide Survey
Nearly half of companies responding to survey expect to increase Social Media budget over next 12 months
Two out of five (nearly 40%) of technology companies check out potential employees’ profiles on social media sites such Facebook or LinkedIn, according to a survey by Eurocom Worldwide, the Global PR Network. The survey was conducted by Eurocom Worldwide and its member agencies around the world.
“This is another reminder that very personal photos or information posted on social media websites may seem a good idea at first but it could affect the poster's future career prospects,” commented Mads Christensen, Network Director, Eurocom Worldwide. “Our survey showed that 37% of tech firms examine social media profiles to determine potential employees’ suitability for the job.”
The Eurocom Worldwide survey documented that just over a third (37%) of technology companies who answered the survey have a corporate blog. This is slightly more than the found in last year's survey (33%).
According to answers, the major barrier to corporate blogging is that companies see it as too time consuming, cited by 39% of respondents. Almost a third (32%) said they do not see the value of corporate blogging.
“While corporate management may know very well the importance of engaging with customers and the wider public it is interesting that so many do not see the value of corporate blogging,” commented Mads Christensen, Network Director, Eurocom Worldwide. “We think this may be mainly due to the time commitment many fear is needed.”
56% of those who do blog tell the survey they do so to improve interaction with customers. And over a third (34%) blog to raise profile and thought leadership.
Despite the mixed reaction to blogging, almost half (45%) of those surveyed expect to increase their companies' budgets for social media over the next 12 months.
Just over a third (35%) of companies already have a page on Facebook. 23% have a YouTube presence. Individually, almost three quarters of respondents (73%) network on LinkedIn well ahead of the second most important networking site with 19% (Plaxo).
The survey, which was conducted during January and February 2010, surveyed 286 senior level executives in technology companies mostly across the European region.
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Survey Methodology
Each year Eurocom Worldwide surveys technology business leaders and senior industry executives, measuring the sentiments and confidence levels of professionals in the sector. This year 286 respondents participated. The study was conducted via the internet and field work was carried out in January and February of 2010.
About Eurocom Worldwide
Eurocom Worldwide is a global alliance of independent, privately owned Public Relations agencies. Together, we form a global business-to-business communications solution provider with a focus on technology in its broadest sense. Eurocom Worldwide has 25 member agencies comprising over 900 communications specialists and consultants in 60 national capitals and centres of commerce around the globe. For more information, visit www.eurocompr.com.