Social media monitoring service Reppler has found that 91% of employers use social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to screen job applicants – with 69% rejecting a candidate based on something they saw.

The study was conducted with Lab42 using a random sample of 300 individuals involved in the hiring process of a company.

It found that 47% of employers check social networking sites to screen prospective employees immediately after receiving their job application, with 76% checking Facebook, 53% checking Twitter and 48% checking LinkedIn.

Of the 69% who rejected a candidate because of something they saw on social media websites, in 13% of cases it was because they lied about their qualifications, with posted inappropriate comments; inappropriate photos; posting negative comments about a previous employer; and demonstrating poor communication skills all coming next at 11%.

However, it was found that 68% had employed someone because of what saw seen about them on a social networking site, with giving a positive impression on their personality and organisational fit coming top at 39%.