Date of Award

12-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Second Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Abstract

In today’s changing job market, employers and recruiters are looking to new technological methods of evaluating potential job candidates. One of these technologies is the use of social networking websites. This thesis examines the frequency to which this practice is used and also the specific behaviors looked for when checking candidate profiles. It also investigates the awareness and opinions of job seekers who have social networking profiles. Data analysis of the employer/recruiter questionnaire revealed that most employers and recruiters admit to using social networking websites as a candidate evaluation tool at least some of the time. Behaviors examined were varied with the majority claiming to look for illegal behaviors foremost. The extent to which these findings affect hiring decisions was found to be minimal. Data analysis of the candidate questionnaire indicated that most job seekers are aware that employers or recruiters may be looking at their social networking profile. The majority claimed that they did not have anything to hide on their profile and do not see their profile as private information. Most agreed that employers and recruiters have the right to use the information found in hiring decisions.

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