So how many employers are looking at my social media sites? The numbers go up again!

I just read the latest Proofpoint survey on outbound content and security issues. It's the seventh annual report on outbound messaging and content security issues, fielded by Osterman Research during June & July 2010. It says that Employers are using social media and email accounts even more to find out about potential hires and employees.

So Here's the meat and potatoes of it all:

37% of all survey employers said that they actually hired someone whose sole job is analyzing company email and outbound content.

Additionally 48% of the employers said they perform audits of what goes out regularly.

(20%) terminated an employee for violating email policies in the past 12 months

50% disciplined an employee for violating email policies in the past 12 months.

24% (up from 17%) disciplined an employee for violating blog or message board policies in the past 12 months.

11% (up from 9%) reported terminating an employee for such a violation.

54% (up from 46%) are highly concerned about the risk of information leakage via blogs and message board postings.

20% (up from 17% in 2009) of US companies investigated the exposure of confidential, sensitive or private information via a posting to a social networking site (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn).

18% of US companies investigated the exposure of confidential, info via sites like YouTube

21% (up from 15% in 2009) have disciplined an employee for violating media sharing/posting policies in the past 12 months.

9% (up from 8% in 2009) reported terminating an employee for such a violation.

17% (up from 13%) of US companies investigated the exposure of confidential,information via an SMS text or Web-based short message service like Twitter.

51% (up from 41%) are highly concerned about the risk of information leakage via Web-based short messaging (e.g., Twitter).

So what does this all mean for you? It means that you need to be aware of what you should do to avoid making Email and Social Media missteps which could cause you to lose your job. Here are a few tips to ponder:

1. Remember that you are on your employers equipment and time when you are in the workplace

2. Remember that anything that you place on the web is fair game and open to the public

3. If there is anything on the web that would make your mother blush take it down

4. If you want to make a good impression post a good impression!

5. Keep in mind your entire social media audience

6. Don't under estimate the roaming eye of your employer.

Check out more of what I mean on this youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04tV88aEfMg

Until next time, I wish you happy trails on your career search journey!

Sited source: http://www.proofpoint.com/