SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AND THE REMEDIATION OF MONSTER.COM: HOW ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING IS REPLACING OTHER DIGITAL METHODS OF HIRING AND JOB HUNTING

INFORMED CONSENT FORM

RESEARCH PROCEDURES
This research is being conducted to determine experiences with and attitudes towards the use of social networking sites for hiring and/or job searches. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to answer a 7- or 9-question survey (depending on whether you are an HR professional or a job seeker) at Surveymonkey.com: most of the questions are multiple choice, and one of them allows you to provide information about your experiences/opinions. It is estimated that each survey will take 10-30 minutes to complete, depending on your typing speed and the length of your response to the question about your experiences/opinions.

RISKS
There are no foreseeable risks for participating in this research.

BENEFITS
There are no benefits to you as a participant other than to further research in the field of social networking study.

CONFIDENTIALITY
The data in this study will be confidential. Names or other identifiers will not be included in survey or other research data. While it is understood that no computer transmission can be perfectly secure, reasonable efforts will be made to protect the confidentiality of your transmission.

PARTICIPATION
Your participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason. If you decide not to participate or if you withdraw from the study, there is no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. There are no costs to you or any other party. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

CONTACT
This research is being conducted by Jennifer Igoe, English Department, at George Mason University. She may be reached at jigoe@gmu.edu for questions or to report a research-related problem. You may also contact her faculty advisor, Dr. Eric Anderson, at 703-993-4418. You may contact the George Mason University Office of Research Subject Protections at 703-993-4121 if you have questions or comments regarding your rights as a participant in the research.

This research has been reviewed according to George Mason University procedures governing your participation in this research.

CONSENT
I have read this form and agree to participate in this study.

The George Mason University Human Subjects Review Board has waived the requirement for a signature on this consent form. However, if you wish to sign a consent, please contact Jennifer Igoe at jigoe@gmu.edu.