One study published in Managing Accounts Payable states that, "Over one-quarter of 254 surveyed employers (26.9%) have at some point reviewed job candidates' personal web pages on social networking Internet sites such as MySpace and Facebook." This study seeks to determine if employers use social networking websites as a means of information collection, what specific information employers look for, and what importance employers place on that information (either positive or negative).

The survey we develop is used primarily to determine the importance that employers place on information that can be found a social networking website profile. We ask employers about many different types of content that can be found on a profile and ask them to rate how that information would impact an potential job candidate's chances of being chosen for employment. We also utilize the survey to gain an understanding about a company's culture or inherent value system and if that culture or system has an impact on the likelihood of an employer using a social networking website. For example, would companies that traditionally identity themselves as being more conservative consider some content more negatively than a traditionally liberal company would.

The results of the survey will primarily be used to determine if social networking websites can have a positive impact on workforce selection or if they are doomed to remain the taboo subject that they currently are. Social networking websites give individuals far more freedom to express their identity than a simple resume. We hope to find that positive information on a social networking website profile can have as great an impact as negative information. Thus, individuals could use their profile as a robust, but informal, resume for potential employers to view.

Human resource professionals are notorious for their interest in what the rest of the HR world is doing. I believe this study provides a great outlet for HR professionals to obtain information an a current trend that is definitely prevalent across the country. Participants will be given the option at the end of survey to leave their contact information (in a separate survey not connected to their responses) so that they may view the results upon completion of the study. Participants will also be given the chance to sign up for a drawing for one of five $30 restaurant gift certificates.

To take the survey, get the results if you wish, and be entered into the drawing for one of five $30 restaurant gift certificates, go to
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=f_2fnpJl80Aon_2fs_2f0J6AMNPg_3d_3d.