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38 per cent of companies check social media profiles of potential employees, reveals survey

Eurocom Worldwide Survey shows that more firms are involved in Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn than blogging
The latest international survey conducted by Eurocom Worldwide, the global PR network, in association with Orient Planet PR and Marketing Communications , has revealed that 38 per cent of technology companies check out potential employees' profiles on social media sites such as Facebook.

"Job seekers may be happy for their LinkedIn profile to be viewed by a prospective employer but are they comfortable with what's posted on their Facebook profile?" commented Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director, Orient Planet . "They may be comfortable that their own privacy settings are locked down tight but what about the career suitability and accessibility of photos or other personal information posted on friends' sites?"

The Eurocom Worldwide survey found that 38 per cent of technology firms examine social media profiles to determine potential employees' suitability for a job. "Social media is a great way to network and build career opportunities but it is becoming more difficult to differentiate between your professional and personal persona on the web," added Abou Zaki.

The survey of over 660 senior level executives in technology companies, which was conducted during January and February 2011, also highlights corporate usage of social media.

Only just over a third (36 per cent) of technology firms have any formal process in place, other than a Google alert, for listening to what is said about their company on the web.

"The first phase of implementing a social media campaign is to listen to and monitor what is being said about your company and its service or product online," commented Mads Christensen, network director, Eurocom Worldwide. "The majority of firms are either failing to do this or are not doing it in a very rigorous manner."

There appears to have been no growth in corporate blogging over the last two years with the proportion of technology companies surveyed having a blog remaining flat at around one third. The main reason cited for corporate blogging is to improve interaction with public/customers, followed by raising profile/thought leadership and boosting search engine optimisation (SEO).

The Eurocom Worldwide survey found that the main barriers to corporate blogging are that "it is too time consuming", cited by 33 per cent, followed by "don't see the value of it" (29 per cent) and "never thought about it" (18 per cent).

"Such is the value of corporate blogging from a search perspective alone that it is a little surprising that only a third of technology firms do it," commented Abou Zaki. "However, blogging does require a significant time commitment so companies are better not to do it at all than do it badly or infrequently."

Despite a mixed reaction to blogging, half (51 per cent) of firms surveyed have a Facebook page, 46 per cent have a corporate Twitter account, 43 per cent are on LinkedIn and just over a third (36 per cent) of companies have a YouTube presence. Of the total, 38 per cent expect to increase their spend on Social Media over the next 12 months.

In terms of activity, just over a quarter (26 per cent) of respondents' companies Tweet daily and just over one in five (21 per cent) update their Facebook page each day.

The Eurocom Worldwide Technology Market Survey 2011 was conducted by the network and its member agencies during January and February 2011, and surveyed 664 senior level executives in technology based businesses across more than 30 countries worldwide.

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Survey Methodology
Each year Eurocom Worldwide and its member agencies survey technology business leaders and senior technology executives, measuring the sentiments and confidence levels of professionals in the sector. This year 664 respondents participated, a record response rate. The study was conducted via the internet and field work was carried out in January and February of 2011.

About Eurocom Worldwide
Eurocom Worldwide is a global alliance of independent, privately owned Public Relations agencies. Together, we form a global business-to-business communications solution provider with a focus on technology in its broadest sense. Eurocom Worldwide has 30 member agencies comprising over 900 communications specialists and consultants in 60 national capitals and centres of commerce around the globe. For more information, visit www.eurocompr.com.

About Orient Planet
Orient Planet is one of the Middle East's fastest growing public relations, marketing and communications consultancies. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, the company maintains more than 70 staff in 12 offices dispersed throughout the Gulf, Levant and North Africa regions. Orient Planet 's multicultural team combines incisive global views, creativity and extensive experience in successful client management to offer a complete range of dedicated PR services in Arabic, English and French. For more information, visit www.orientplanet.com

For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
Tel: +971 43988901
Fax: +971 43988941
P.O.Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2011