Social Networking Changing the Landscape for Singaporean Job Seekers, Kelly Global Workforce Index™ Finds

Singapore (19 May , 2011) – More than one-in-five people surveyed from Singapore are going online in their hunt for work, but many are growing nervous about the potential career fallout from personal content on social networking sites, according to the latest survey results from global workforce solutions leader, Kelly Services®.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including more than 900 in Singapore.

The survey shows 21 percent of respondents secured their most recent position through an online job posting, second only to recruitment/staffing firms, used by 31 percent, followed by “word-of-mouth” referrals (16 percent), direct approaches from employers (16 percent), print advertisements (8 percent), “other” methods (6 percent), and social media sites (2 percent).

Even though a small percentage of people actually secured their most recent job through social networking, 21 percent are scouring social media sites, such as Facebook®, LinkedIn® and Twitter®, seeking job openings or promotions.

The survey, conducted from October 2010 through January 2011, shows that while social media is active as an employment tool, so too is apprehension about the damage it can have on careers. More than a third of respondents admit to deliberately editing content on their social networking pages to avoid career problems.

“The use of social media in finding work is becoming more common because it allows people to target exactly the job they want, and even the organisation where they want to work,” says Melissa Norman, Managing Director Singapore and Malaysia, Kelly Services. “Candidates and employers are becoming more adept in using this medium, which will see it grow and evolve as a means to find work and advance careers.”

Results of the survey in Singapore show:

• Facebook is the most popular social media site for Gen Y (aged 18-29) respondents to look for work but LinkedIn is preferred by Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65).
• 46 percent of respondents say they are worried that material from their social networking sites could adversely impact their careers.
• 45 percent of Gen Y respondents say it is essential to be active on social media in order to advance their careers, compared with 35 percent of baby boomers and 34 percent of Gen X.
• 36 percent of respondents say their employers have social networking policies that regulate use at work.
• Industries where employees are most active in online conversations include Government, Retail, Science/Pharmaceutical, and Education.

And despite the rise in popularity of social networking, the vast majority of respondents (64 percent) spend an hour or less per day on social media sites, while 10 percent spend no time at all. Some 26 percent spend an hour or more each day.

Ms. Norman added, “Social networking is occupying a growing place in the recruitment field. Sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and blogs are all becoming more important as people discuss, not only recruitment but views and opinions about work, good (and bad) places to work, industry issues and career options. It make sense for employers to be attuned to what is being said in these communities because it may affect how they are perceived in the market and how attractive they are as preferred places to work or employers of choice.

And there is a growing understanding among all generations, but particularly younger workers, that an online presence is an important part of “personal branding” that will help them to stand out and advance their careers. People need to bear in mind the issue of privacy on social networking in an age in which few things stay out of the public eye. There is a tendency for people to share more than they think they’re sharing on social media sites.”

“It’s clear that social networking is changing the way that people seek out work and engage in conversations about work opportunities. Like any new technology, people are learning that there are positives and negatives, and they need to be careful that they are tapping into the best elements of the Internet when their careers are involved,” Ms Norman concludes.

For more information about these survey results and other key global findings, please visit the Kelly Global Workforce Index. 

About the Kelly Global Workforce Index™
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is an annual survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Approximately 97,000 people from the Americas, APAC and EMEA responded to the 2011 survey with results published on a quarterly basis. Kelly Services was the recipient of a MarCom Platinum Award in 2010 and a Gold Award in 2009 for the Kelly Global Workforce Index in the Research/Study category.

About Kelly Services®
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:  KELYA, KELYB) is a leader in providing workforce solutions.  Kelly® offers a comprehensive array of outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire basis.  Serving clients around the globe, Kelly provides employment to more than 530,000 employees annually.  Revenue in 2010 was $5 billion.  Visit www.kellyservices.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Media contact: 
Diana Tay – Marketing Manager, Kelly Services 
Tel: (+65) 6501 4717  Fax: (+65) 6221 1262  Mobile: (+65) 9862 2606

Jeannie Khoo – Marketing Director, Kelly Services Singapore and Malaysia
Tel: (03) 2070 1878   Fax: (03) 2070 4360   Mobile: (012) 2640570