S'pore professionals concerned about online image

Professionals in Singapore understand the role their online image play in light of the possibility prospective employers may use social networking platforms to check on job candidates.

According to survey findings released Monday by recruitment consultancy Robert Walters, 69 percent of respondents--or 1,650--in the country said it was important to maintain a professional image online. This puts them on similar standing to the global average, where 69 percent of respondents said likewise.

The digital era had made it easier for organizations to identify potential candidates through social media sites or to conduct background check simply by searching the Web, said Robert Walters.

This underscored the need for employees, particularly those who frequented social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to ensure they have maintained a positive online image.

Conducted between mid-March and early-May, the survey polled 35,280 respondents who visited Robert Walters' sites worldwide including 19 countries in Asia. These included China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

At 74.4 percent, more respondents in China--compared to the global average--recognized the importance of maintaining a professional online presence, while Malaysia was close behind at 71.1 percent.