Kiwis Worried Social Network Could Damage Career

Media release: 23 May 2011

Kiwis Worried Social Network Content Could Damage Career Prospects

• Online jobs the leading source of work
• Almost a quarter of Kiwis worried about their social network content
• Nearly a third edit social network content to avoid work problems

(May 16, 2011) – Worried your online past could haunt your career prospects? You are not alone.

While over of a quarter of Kiwis go online to hunt for work, many are increasingly concerned about the material they have posted on social networking sites and the impact it could have on their career, according to the latest survey results from global workforce solutions leader, Kelly Services®.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including over 1,800 in New Zealand.

The survey shows 27 percent of respondents secured their most recent position through an online job posting – the leading source of jobs – ahead of “word-of-mouth” referrals, used by 23 percent, recruitment/staffing firms (20 percent), direct approaches from employers (12 percent), print advertisements (10 percent), and “other” methods (7 percent).

While social media sites play a small role in getting a job – with only 1% of respondents securing their most recent jobs through a social network – Kiwis are increasingly aware of the impact their online activity could have on their careers.

According to the Kelly survey, 25% of New Zealand men and 22% of women are worried that material from their social networking sites could adversely impact their careers. And to prevent career problems, 30% of women and 28% of men deliberately censor or edit their personal social network content.

Kelly Services managing director Debbie Grenfell says the survey shows that while social media is becoming active as an employment tool, so too is apprehension about the damage it can have on careers.

“We are finding more people are using social networks to look for work because it allows them to target exactly the job they want, and even the organisation where they want to work,” says Debbie Grenfell.

“Even though a small percentage of people actually secured their most recent job through social networking, 17 percent are scouring social media sites, such as Facebook®, LinkedIn® and Twitter®, seeking job openings.”

“At the same time, social networks are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for employers looking to find someone who is the right fit for their organisation.”

Despite their concerns, many Kiwis also believe being active online is essential for their career development, with 27% of men and 21% of women using their social networks to improve their job prospects. Younger workers rely more heavily on social networking, with 33% of Gen Y (aged 18-29) respondents say it is essential to be active in social media in order to advance their careers.

Other results of the survey in New Zealand show:

• Facebook is the most popular social media site for Gen Y (aged 18-29) respondents to look for work but LinkedIn is more popular with Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65).
• 35 percent of respondents say their employers have social networking policies that regulate use at work.
• Industries where employees are most active in online conversations include Travel/Leisure, Utilities, and Retail.
• Those most active in searching for jobs online are in Wellington, where 21 percent use social networking to seek work, followed by Auckland (18 percent), Waikato (15 percent), and Canterbury (10 percent).

And despite the rise in popularity of social networking, the vast majority of respondents (68 percent) spend an hour or less per day on social media sites, while 19 percent spend no time at all. Only 13 percent spend an hour or more each day.

“It’s clear that social networking is changing the way that people seek out work and engage in conversations about work opportunities. Like any new technology, people are learning that there are positives and negatives, and they need to be careful that they are tapping into the best elements of the Internet when their careers are involved,” Debbie Grenfell concludes.

For more information about these survey results and other key global findings, please visit the Kelly Global Workforce Index.

ENDS

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