Hays Advises Professionals Not to Network Their Way Out of a Job

LONDON, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hays, the leading global professional recruitment group, has revealed that while almost half of UK professionals use social networking sites regularly in a professional capacity, many are unconcerned about the potential implications their online presence may have for their careers. A new survey of 480 professionals conducted by Hays in September 2010 showed that 60% of those questioned are aware that employers use social media sites to research potential recruits but that 48% do not believe that their online profiles could have a negative impact on their careers.

Charles Logan, Director at Hays, said: "Failing to manage your online footprint is dangerous. The added competition for jobs means that candidates need to pull out all the stops to secure a new position. This requires showing a certain level of professionalism in any presence you may have both offline and online due to the increasing use of technology. In times like these jobseekers should be doing everything they can to ensure they are at an advantage, making sure nothing hinders their chance of securing a role."

Whilst managing what is said online is a must, candidates should not be put off using networking sites. The research suggests this is far from the case, with 37% of respondents saying they have increased their use over the last year. Professionals are also being strategic in their approach to online networking and many are taking advantage of sites linked to career-related groups and forums. These activities are particularly prevalent amongst candidates looking for jobs in marketing and other related professions.

Charles Logan added: "Our new survey suggests there is a real opportunity for UK professionals to use networking sites to help them get ahead in their career. However, it is important individuals chose where and who they network with wisely and understand what information is available about them online and who can view this – only then can they manage it effectively."

About Hays:

Hays plc (the "Group") is the leading global professional recruiting group. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments including banking jobs, engineering jobs, property management jobs and admin jobs.

As at 30 June 2010, the Group employed 6,845 staff operating from 270 offices in 28 countries across 17 specialisms.

For the year ended 30 June 2010:

• the Group reported net fees of 557.7 million pounds Sterling and operating profit of 80.5 million pounds;
• the Group placed around 50,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 180,000 people into temporary assignments;
• 26% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific, 30% in Continental Europe & RoW and 44% in the United Kingdom & Ireland
• the temporary placement business represented 58% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 42% of net fees;
• Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE and the United Kingdom.

SOURCE Hays