Don’t Put That on Facebook: the Influence of Social Media on Applicant Hiring Decisions

This study sought to determine the effects that professional and recreational personal social media profiles have on perceived qualifications, conscientiousness, and the likelihood of hire among White and Black male job candidates using a sample (N = 386) of hiring professionals. Professional and recreational Facebook profiles were created for an entry-level job candidate, along with a resume crafted to meet the requirements for an administrative assistant position. The manipulation of social media was significant for all three DVs, wherein the professional social media profile only slightly elevated candidate ratings from the control condition and the recreational profile significantly lowered ratings.