The influence of Facebook visual images on hiring by professional recruiters.

Social media plays a significant role in connecting people around the world. It has been found that professional recruiters are using Social Networking Websites (SNWs) to screen applicants in the hiring process. Pictorial images on SNWs play a significant role in this process, as they are readily available on the Internet and can have a significant influence on the decision of professional recruiters. This research is a replication and extension of the study conducted by Bohnert and Ross (2010). With the help of a scaling exercise in Study One, it was possible to know the exact placement of SNW visual images on the continuum of desirability for hiring.' Study Two incorporated these visual images in an experimental study of the impact of SNW visual images on the dependent variables of hiring suitability and recommended salary. Study Two extended Bohnert and Ross's research by using professional recruiters as research participants and used a repeated measures within-subjects design that produced strong results. In conclusion, it was found that having a positive image on social media may not increase a job applicant's chances of getting hired but a negative image will considerably decrease the opportunities of getting a job offer as well as lower the salary offered to the job applicant. --Leaf 1.