Social Networking and Job Search: What You Don’t Know
Can Hurt You

MySpace and Facebook have become part of our nation’s vocabulary as social networking has become the way that people connect with each other. Everything from pictures of a fun weekend to a person’s religious and political preferences can be found with the click of a mouse. In an age of ever-increasing information and technology, the way we interact has been forever changed by such social networking sites.

“Harmless fun..?”

As with any type of information, the ways in which it is used can change over time. One unanticipated use of these sites has become almost commonplace for some employers – checking out a potential job candidate’s MySpace or Facebook page for information that might not be divulged in the resume, cover letter, or interview. A recent survey by Vault reported that 44% of employers check out the Facebook or MySpace pages of potential employees (read the full article).

What types of information become red flags to employers? Typically, the red flags stem from behaviors deemed questionable (excessive drinking, drug use, discussion of sexual exploits) to concerns about extreme points of view or photos that show the potential candidate in a compromising situation. What may seem like harmless fun could become a big strike against you. In one particular case, even though the person was clearly not serious, his pronouncements about drug use and shooting people were enough to turn off the employer. Many people using these sites use privacy measures to limit access to people they do not know. But, these security measures do not always work.

Employers must exercise caution as well

From an employer’s point of view, accessing this type of information and using it to make hiring decisions can be risky business. Savvy job seekers who determine that they were passed over for employment based on information obtained via Facebook or MySpace may claim it was due to race, religion or some other factor that is considered employment discrimination. Employers must exercise caution when using these sites to screen applicants.

Use common sense

Despite the fact that employers risk claims of employment discrimination, smart job seekers should take care not to post anything to social networking sites that might hurt their chances of getting a job. Many experts suggest using the mom or grandma test. Is what you have on your page something you would show mom or grandma? If not, it is best to leave these things out.

Even though some people will argue that we were all young once, and that many of the things employers see on a MySpace page are things that would not effect a person’s work performance, it is still better to be safe than sorry. Other experts warn that divulging too much personal information is simply a safety concern. Whether it is out of concern for your professional image or personal safety, it is clear that taking care to keep your social networking content clean and professional is a smart step for today’s job seekers.

Sources consulted for this article:

1. “Facebook Faux Pas” Workforce Management
   Accessed: 12-29-07
   
2. “Employers Using Facebook for Background Checking: Is it Legal?”
   College Recruiter
   Accessed: 12-28-07
   
3. “For Some, Online Persona Undermines a Resume” The New York Times
   Accessed: 12-19-07
   
4. “44% of Employers Using Facebook to Check on Job Candidates” iTWire
   Accessed: 12-20-07