Everyone these days has a Facebook account. Individuals post information about themselves, have the majority of their social life on Facebook and share thoughts, photos, memories and what they are doing on Facebook.
I find it amazing how popular Facebook has become over the past few years. I remember when my sister was on her Facebook account and I thought it was the coolest thing! She told me that I could think it was as cool as I wanted but that I couldn't get one. I thought it was so unfair that only university students could have accounts. And then finally it was made available for anyone with an email address! I signed up right away, not reading any of the privacy settings or thinking twice about what information I was making available for everyone to see.
Now it's remarkable just how many employers look to Facebook for a look at possible prospects to fill positions. Prior to Facebook people were so worried about having the best first impression because you can never have another first impression, but now they have to also worry about giving to much information out on Facebook.
http://oregonbusinessreport.com/2009/08/45-employers-use-facebook-twitter-to-screen-job-candidates/
Above is an article talking about how 45% of employers go to Facebook to check out candidates!
I think this is very scary that we no longer have the control over what and when people see personal information. We now need to be extra careful what information we want on Facebook. The pictures we now put on to share and remember memories with our friends can be held against us and even cost us a job!
I feel exactly the same way! I definately know that the next time I am applying for a new job I am cleaning out my facebook page. I would never want the reason for not getting a job position to be that my possible employer had seen inapropriate pictures or comments. Cleaning my facebook account is something I will definately be doing soon!!
ReplyDeleteI just make sure that i turn on the "only friends can see" for my profile and the problem is solved....unless their just so happens to be a picture of me partying my face off as my profile picture....then ya...maybe a problem.
ReplyDeleteMy free time is none of their business, im sure that at some point, someone will find out they didnt get a job because of their facebook. They will then bring the company to court for discrimination and set a precident for everyother employer.