02.25.08
Have a Facebook or MySpace Account?
Hi everyone! I’m sure you have heard that many employers nowadays (especially in the PR field) take a look at your various online accounts when you apply for a job or an internship.
I just had to share this link from the More with Les blog. He delves into “The legal and ethical issues when employers check applicants’ social and networking sites.”
Thought you might want to read it. I think it is definitely an interesting and worthwhile post.
What’s your take? Have you altered your Facebook and/or other online accounts because potential employers could be browsing them?
I actually haven’t – yet. I don’t think there is anything offensive on mine, and if an employer doesn’t want to hire me because of what is there, I’d rather not work for them. As of now, my take is: personal space is personal space (professional space is reserved for sites like LinkedIn & MyRagan). Until I’m convinced otherwise, my profiles are staying as they are.
Granted, if someone has something like, I don’t know… “I like to throw turtles as far as I can,” or something completely odd/out there, I would definitely second guess having it displayed online.
EDIT:
Also check out (pdf): “Not Just Your Space: The College Student’s Guide to Managing Online Reputation” by Tom Drugan
astepahead said,
February 28, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’ll admit, I’m a little OCD about my online repuation. I Google myself often. One problem I have found is that there is a girl on the other side of the US with the same name as I. Other than that, I like to know what employers might find.
As for Facebook, I’ve cleaned it up several times and also made it private and unsearchable by search engines. My MySpace is also private.
So my profiles are there to stay because they are great for keeping in touch with family, friends, and other people I’ve met, but I certainly don’t want employers perusing though them.
rawrelations said,
February 28, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting and for sharing your two cents.
You are not alone. I Google myself as well, and was surprised to find there is at least one other person with my name.
I don’t see it as a problem for you, because an employer would hopefully realize there is more than one person with your name – especially if she is on the other side of the country. If for some reason something was questionable enough to cause concern, the employer *should* address it before passing any premature judgment.
I am glad you are keeping your profiles and, even though “clean,” are not specifically tailoring them to potential employers. Keeping them private is an excellent idea – although someone mentioned in Les’ blog that some employers are able to find them anyway – that’s a whole other blog in itself.
Thanks again, astepahead! Hope to see you back here again, soon!
~Cheryl