Bohnert, D. & Ross, W. H. (2010).  The influence of social networking websites on

            The evaluation of job candidates.  Cyberpsychology, Behavior, &

Social Networking,  13, (3), 341 – 347.

The present study investigated how the content of social networking website (SNW) pages  (also called Social Networking Web pages) influenced others’ evaluation of job candidates.  Students (N = 148) evaluated the suitability of hypothetical candidates for an entry-level managerial job.  A 2 x 4 design was employed: resume’s were either (a) marginally-qualified or (b) well-qualified for the job.  SNW printouts reflected either (a) an emphasis on drinking alcohol, (b) a family orientation, or (c) a professional orientation; subjects in (d) a control group received no web page information.  In addition to a main effect for resume’ quality, applicants with either a family- or a professionally-oriented SNW were seen as more suitable for the job, and more conscientious than applicants with an alcohol-oriented SNW pages.  They were more likely to be interviewed also.  If hired, they were also more likely to be offered significantly higher starting salaries.  Results are discussed in terms of implications for both managers and applicants. 

Keywords:  Social networking website, Facebook, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection.

doi:10.1089/cyber.2009.0193.

Abstract and cover image copyright (c) 2009, (c) 2010 Mary Ann Leibert, Inc.

Note: A PDF copy of this article can be purchased from the publisher by visiting this website: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cpb.2009.0193

Keywords:  Social networking website, Facebook, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection, ethics, job applicant.

Keywords:  Social networking web site, Facebook, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection, unethical, application.

Keywords:  Social networking webpage, Facebook page, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection, ethical, apply for job.

Keywords:  Social networking web page, Facebook, alcohol, employment, personnel selection, interviewing, investigation, job candidate.

Keywords:  Social networking, internet, Facebook, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection, recruiting, appropriate.

Keywords:  Social networking, MySpace, Facebook, drunken, employment selection, personnel selection, resume', snooping.

Keywords:  Social networking, hiring, Facebook, embarrassing, employment selection, personnel selection, interview, inappropriate.

Keywords:  Social networking, hiring decisions, Facebook, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection, LinkedIn, employer.

Keywords:  Social networking web site, social networking website, personnel decision, personnel selection, hiring, employment, alcohol.

Keywords:  Social networking, employers, Facebook, alcohol, employment selection, personnel selection, unprofessional conduct, boss.