In Reality
Facebook Up During an Interview
Lacy Bursick, a junior at Ball State University, applied for an entry level job recently and experienced this screening first hand.
When she walked into the store for her interview her profile was up on their computer screen.
“It threw me off a little because I realized they had already glimpsed into my life and I instantly thought, ‘God, I hope I didn’t have anything posted that was inappropriate recently,’” Bursick said.
Having had a Facebook profile since 2008, Bursick said she created it when she was in middle school. With that she said she knows there are some inappropriate postings from the past.
“I can only hope they understand I was young, because it’s the internet and it will be there forever,” Bursick said. “As the technology generation, we need to realize our great grandkids can look at our Facebooks and see our whole lives in the future.”
Bursick would decline if an employer asked for her login information.
“It’s my right to privacy,” Bursick said.
She said she understands the view a company has, but feels that her private messages should not be read by her work.
“I understand companies not wanting employees posting negative material or bashing the bosses via the web,” Bursick said. “It’s unprofessional and could be really damaging for a company.”
Social Media Changing Career Paths
According to an article from College Recruiter, people are trying to tweet their way to a career. Rather than hoping former colleagues or family will make introductions for one, people are now often making social media their position for virtual connections. Career advancements are enabled by networking via these sites, and is becoming one of the most valuable means to finding a job.
Certain social media sites are being utilized in differing ways depending on the way in which you are searching for a job. The article stated that almost all sites are used by recruiters. The following is the most efficient use of each site: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Pinterest, as discussed by College Recruiter staff.
LinkedIn: Created with professionals in mind, LinkedIn can be the easiest site for job seekers to navigate. Users can create a virtual resume and have their skills endorsed by family, friends and colleagues. There are also a variety of industry-based groups, which allow job seekers and professionals to share information and leads.
In addition, LinkedIn offers a job search function that allows individuals to see which of their connections are associated with each employer, offering an easy way to locate network contacts.
Facebook: Facebook has long been considered more of a personal platform, rather than a professional one. However, some employment experts are speculating that the newly introduced Graph Search may make the site more valuable to recruiters and workers alike.
For now, while you can put out the word to family and friends that you are on the market, what may be more important is keeping questionable status updates and photos away from the prying eyes of recruiters. Lock down the privacy settings on your profile and remove any tags on unflattering photos uploaded by your friends. If a recruiter or professional contact asks to “friend” you, consider using Facebook’s list feature to ensure that your personal updates and photos remain hidden from work-related contacts.
Twitter: College-educated job seekers might prefer Twitter, because they know it offers a low-pressure way to network with a variety of industry pros. Twitter also offers the opportunity to participate in industry chats and career chats, which can further open up networking opportunities.
Search for prominent names in your field and follow them, as well as the business profiles of those working at potential employers. Retweet and reply as appropriate, but remember that moderation is key. You want to be perceived as a peer, not a fanboy.
Lacy Bursick, a junior at Ball State University, applied for an entry level job recently and experienced this screening first hand.
When she walked into the store for her interview her profile was up on their computer screen.
“It threw me off a little because I realized they had already glimpsed into my life and I instantly thought, ‘God, I hope I didn’t have anything posted that was inappropriate recently,’” Bursick said.
Having had a Facebook profile since 2008, Bursick said she created it when she was in middle school. With that she said she knows there are some inappropriate postings from the past.
“I can only hope they understand I was young, because it’s the internet and it will be there forever,” Bursick said. “As the technology generation, we need to realize our great grandkids can look at our Facebooks and see our whole lives in the future.”
Bursick would decline if an employer asked for her login information.
“It’s my right to privacy,” Bursick said.
She said she understands the view a company has, but feels that her private messages should not be read by her work.
“I understand companies not wanting employees posting negative material or bashing the bosses via the web,” Bursick said. “It’s unprofessional and could be really damaging for a company.”
Social Media Changing Career Paths
According to an article from College Recruiter, people are trying to tweet their way to a career. Rather than hoping former colleagues or family will make introductions for one, people are now often making social media their position for virtual connections. Career advancements are enabled by networking via these sites, and is becoming one of the most valuable means to finding a job.
Certain social media sites are being utilized in differing ways depending on the way in which you are searching for a job. The article stated that almost all sites are used by recruiters. The following is the most efficient use of each site: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Pinterest, as discussed by College Recruiter staff.
LinkedIn: Created with professionals in mind, LinkedIn can be the easiest site for job seekers to navigate. Users can create a virtual resume and have their skills endorsed by family, friends and colleagues. There are also a variety of industry-based groups, which allow job seekers and professionals to share information and leads.
In addition, LinkedIn offers a job search function that allows individuals to see which of their connections are associated with each employer, offering an easy way to locate network contacts.
Facebook: Facebook has long been considered more of a personal platform, rather than a professional one. However, some employment experts are speculating that the newly introduced Graph Search may make the site more valuable to recruiters and workers alike.
For now, while you can put out the word to family and friends that you are on the market, what may be more important is keeping questionable status updates and photos away from the prying eyes of recruiters. Lock down the privacy settings on your profile and remove any tags on unflattering photos uploaded by your friends. If a recruiter or professional contact asks to “friend” you, consider using Facebook’s list feature to ensure that your personal updates and photos remain hidden from work-related contacts.
Twitter: College-educated job seekers might prefer Twitter, because they know it offers a low-pressure way to network with a variety of industry pros. Twitter also offers the opportunity to participate in industry chats and career chats, which can further open up networking opportunities.
Search for prominent names in your field and follow them, as well as the business profiles of those working at potential employers. Retweet and reply as appropriate, but remember that moderation is key. You want to be perceived as a peer, not a fanboy.
