The relevance of a digital profile as an employability tool.

Background:
A digital profile is visual representations of a persons identity online and Employability is a
persons ability in order to obtain and sustain a job. Forbes reveals: The new reality is you
need a digital profile. Its not an option if you are looking to earn a living, stay marketable,
maintain and expand your networks and connections, and grow your business. (Tombrakos,
2012, 3rd paragraph). This is true as digital profiling is the way forward as all employees have
the opportunity to view you online and read your posts. Forbes, 2012 revealed that more than
a third of employers are using digital profiling as part of their hiring process, with over half
of job seekers using social networking sites.
This report will include the relevance of digital profiling and whether it is used by employers
as part of their employment process. I will discuss the relevance of it being used as an
employability tool and what the implications of this could be, such as employers getting this
wrong impression of an individual. I will also raise the ethical points raised by doing this.
Current research:
CareerBuilder, 2012, conducted a survey of 2303 people in human resources or managerial
roles; where they asked if, why and how they used and incorporate social media as part of
their hiring process. Their report found that 37% of employers they asked; use social network
in order to screen the job seekers that apply to their jobs, with many making their decisions
based on their findings. CareerBuilder also asked them why they do this, where they found
45% used it in order to learn more about the job seekers qualifications, 65% said they do this
in order to see how the people applying for the jobs presents themselves professionals, with
51% looing to see if the individual is a good fit for their company. (Anonymous, 2012)
There is also the other side of this; where job seekers have to be aware of the effect their
digital profile has on their employment. A student whom is in her third year at Anglia Ruskin
university studying phycology BA(Hons) answered the following questions:
1) Do you think you will encounter any complications with getting a job if the employer
were to view your current digital profile?
Jessica replied: I have my Facebook set to private so only my friends can see what I
post. The only things they can see are what I let the public view. However if they
somehow managed to view my Facebook, I don't see much of a problem. I have a lot
of photos of me on nights out that aren't particularly favourable as I'm often drunk and
look a mess so I would understand that this would give the wrong impression.
However I don't post negative statuses about people or about my current work
place/colleagues so that shows I have a boundary and still be professional and keep
some things private. But I think employers are still less likely to employ me with
these photos (even though they are from a long time ago).
2) Do you feel that having a digital profile (such as LinkedIn) would be beneficial in
obtaining a job?
Jessica replied: Yes I do, but it obviously depends on the site. E.g. Facebook and
Twitter are not so appropriate. However I'm registered with LinkedIn, but I don't
really use it. I registered because Ive been told of the benefits and how it can help me
make connections and get a job. Ive seen online that it's helped a lot of people and I
know it's widely used so I have a lot of faith in it.

3) Have you obtained a job through digital profiling or has it helped you to get one?
Jessica replied: No I haven't. Ive used conventional methods such as handing out
CVs or searching and applying online.
After interviewing Jessica, it is clear that students are aware of the dangers of having a digital
profile, but currently dont seem to be using it as an employability tool.
Current issues:
One current issue there is that there is an increase in the number of graduates leaving
university. It has been revealed that 20% of low skilled jobs in the UK are currently getting
filled by those with an undergraduate degree. The IPPR says that: Number of high-skilled
jobs has not kept pace with the rate at which workers are becoming more highly qualified.
(Harris, 2014, 4th paragraph). As a result of this expansion in undergraduates; any
information employers can use to indifferent the applicants is useful. A quick and easy way
of doing this is by viewing candidates digital profile and not choosing them on
discriminatory information.
Another issue concerning digital profiling is the fact that anyone can edit our digital profile,
which will then have a hindrance on their employment prospects. This could include such
things as Facebook tagging someone into a drunken photo, are even posting harmful
information about the individual. Employers are likely to see this information as harmful to
their business and so has a massive effect on the individuals employability prospects.
Not everyone is aware that employers may be checking their digital profile before giving
them an interview. As a result of this; they are often unaware the damage bad digital profiling
can have. CareerBuilders revealed that 33% of employers in which have viewed their
candidates social media sites said that they have found information in which led to not hiring
a candidate. Half of them revealing it was due to an inappropriate post or photo on the site;
with 45% revealing that they didnt choose that candidate as there was evidence of
drug/alcohol use, as well as poor grammar and lying about their qualifications online. That is
another point raised where Reppler survey revealed that the biggest reason why employers
dont offer candidates jobs after viewing their social media is getting caught for lying about
their qualifications (13%). (Hill, 2011, 3rd paragraph).
Implications:
One complication of having a digital profile is that employers might get the wrong
impression of you. You may be a respectable adult who likes to also party hard. However if
all the photos and posts online of you are in a disgraceful manner; this can create the
impression that you party all the time and so employers feel you arent the right candidate.
Another point raised is whether it is ethical for employers to view a candidates digital
profile. Some feel Its fair for employers to look at personal profiles to judge their
applicants. The information on those profiles has no bearing on how the person will do in
their job, and its a violation of that persons privacy to factor in their personal lives into
whether they can do the work. (TheTechCitizen, 2009, 14th paragraph/second students view).
Its reveled that almost one in six people using the internet feel that the internet was invading
their privacy. (Blank, 2013).
Additionally it raising the question whether using digital profiling as employability tool
would discriminate against those with poor education or with a disability. A survey
conducted by the University of Oxford has found that only 40% of people with no education

are using the internet so they are getting left out. As well as only 51% of disabled people are
using the internet. (Blank, 2013).
Conclusion:
After looking at recent figures; it is clear that many employees are viewing candidates digital
profiles in order to make their decision on where to hire them. As a result; candidates must
ensure that they have healthy and clean digital profile. If used correctly; candidates could see
themselves being offered the job they applied for and even getting headhunted by companies.
However the point is raised weather it should really hold candidates back from getting their
desired jobs.
Recommendations:
One recommendation for a future employee is to keep and maintain a clean digital profile.
This must be across every social media site they have and they must with-frame information
which may harm their future career. This can be done by ensuring all posts are suitable and
are not discriminating against anyone, as well as ensuring all photos will not inhibit job
prospects.
Another recommendation is to start boasting your digital profile now. This will prove to
employers that you are wanting a good career and willing to work for it. It will also help
employers that are looking for employees as many may find you online. Many even have
their own website in order to broadcast themselves to employers.
My final recommendation would be to ensure that all the information about you online is
accurate. It is easy for employers to see whether you are lying and this would be a major
hindrance if you lie.
References:
Anonymous. (2012). 37 Percent Of Employers Use Facebook To Pre-Screen
Applicants, New Study Says. Available:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/20/employers-use-facebook-to-pre-screenapplicants_n_1441289.html. Last accessed 08/01/2015.
BLANK.G. (2013). More than half of the British people who use the Internet do it
without enthusiasm. Available: http://oxis.oii.ox.ac.uk/blog/more-half-britishpeople-who-use-internet-do-it-without-enthusiasm/. Last accessed 09/12/14.
HARRIS.S. (2014). Graduates fill 20% of low-skilled jobs as university boom leaves
huge numbers over-qualified. Available: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article2647869/Graduates-20-low-skilled-jobs-university-boom-leaves-huge-numbersqualified.html. Last accessed 09/12/14.
HILL.K. (2011). What Prospective Employers Hope To See In Your Facebook
Account: Creativity, Well-Roundedness, & 'Chastity'. Available:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/10/03/what-prospective-employershope-to-see-in-your-facebook-account-creativity-well-roundedness-chastity/. Last
accessed 09/12/14.
ROBINSON.J. (2013). Teaching Active Reputation Management: 5 Steps for
Sanitizing Facebook Accounts. Available:
http://the21stcenturyprincipal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/teaching-active-reputationmanagement-5.html. Last accessed 09/12/14.

TheTechCitizen. (2009). Is It Ethical For Employers To Factor In Online Profiles in

Hiring Decisions?. Available: http://thetechnologicalcitizen.com/?p=517. Last
accessed 09/12/14.
TOMBRAKOS. J. (2012). 7 Reasons You Need A Vibrant Digital Profile. Available:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2012/11/30/7-reasons-you-need-a-vibrantdigital-profile/. Last accessed 09/12/14.
University of south wales. (N/A). Social Media & Job Search. Available:
http://careers.southwales.ac.uk/socialmedia/. Last accessed 09/12/14.