Hays Advises Professionals Not to Network Their Way Out of a Job

LONDON, November 16, 2010 - Hays, the leading global professional recruitment group, has revealed
that while almost half of UK professionals use social networking sites
regularly in a professional capacity, many are unconcerned about the
potential implications their online presence may have for their careers. A
new survey of 480 professionals conducted by Hays in September 2010 showed
that 60% of those questioned are aware that employers use social media sites
to research potential recruits but that 48% do not believe that their online
profiles could have a negative impact on their careers.

Charles Logan, Director at Hays (www.hays.co.uk/), said: "Failing
to manage your online footprint is dangerous. The added competition for jobs
means that candidates need to pull out all the stops to secure a new
position. This requires showing a certain level of professionalism in any
presence you may have both offline and online due to the increasing use of
technology. In times like these jobseekers should be doing everything they
can to ensure they are at an advantage, making sure nothing hinders their
chance of securing a role."

Whilst managing what is said online is a must, candidates should not be
put off using networking sites. The research suggests this is far from the
case, with 37% of respondents saying they have increased their use over the
last year. Professionals are also being strategic in their approach to online
networking and many are taking advantage of sites linked to career-related
groups and forums. These activities are particularly prevalent amongst
candidates looking for jobs in marketing
(www.hays.co.uk/enhance-your-career/marketing-jobs/index.htm) and
other related professions.

Charles Logan added: "Our new survey suggests there is a real opportunity
for UK professionals to use networking sites to help them get ahead in their
career. However, it is important individuals chose where and who they network
with wisely and understand what information is available about them online
and who can view this - only then can they manage it effectively."

About Hays:

Hays plc (the "Group") is the leading global professional recruiting
group. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and
skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK and Australia and
one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group operates across
the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract
roles and temporary assignments including banking jobs
(www.hays.co.uk/enhance-your-career/banking-jobs/index.htm),
engineering jobs, property management jobs
(www.hays.co.uk/enhance-your-career/property-surveying-jobs/property-management-jobs/index.htm)
and admin jobs
(www.hays.co.uk/enhance-your-career/office-support-jobs/administration-support-jobs/index.htm).

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paste these hyperlinks into your Internet browser's URL address field.
Remove the space if one exists.)

As at 30 June 2010, the Group employed 6,845 staff operating from 270
offices in 28 countries across 17 specialisms.

    For the year ended 30 June 2010:

    - the Group reported net fees of GBP557.7 million and operating profit of
      GBP80.5 million;
    - the Group placed around 50,000 candidates into permanent jobs and
      around 180,000 people into temporary assignments;
    - 26% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific, 30% in
      Continental Europe & RoW and 44% in the United Kingdom & Ireland
    - the temporary placement business represented 58% of net fees and the
      permanent placement business represented 42% of net fees;
    - Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium,
      Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany,
      Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the
      Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain,
      Sweden, Switzerland, UAE and the United Kingdom.

    For further press information please contact:

    Alexandra Tucker
    Hays
    2nd Floor
    Stockley House
    130 Wilton Road
    London
    SW1V 1LQ
    +44(0)20-7259-8821
    www.hays.co.uk/

For further press information please contact: Alexandra Tucker, Hays, 2nd Floor, Stockley House, 130 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LQ, +44(0)20-7259-8821