Social networking has become a way of life for many, and it has shifted the way people interact. In the past, the boundaries between what was personal and what was work-related were clear. A recent article about employers who ask for Facebook passwords gives the impression those boundaries have become blurred. It makes you stop and ask what is considered personal in today’s online world?
Facebook is the largest of all social networking sites with its 845 million users, and due to the sheer volume of communication it’s no wonder employers would see this as a good way to generate more information on potential job candidates or employees. So now, job seekers are faced with deciding when to draw the line between sharing information online and being prepared to handle questions about online content that could affect employment opportunities.
Learning how to manage your online image — making good decisions about what to share and who to “friend” — undoubtedly plays a role in your career growth. To get more insight into this issue, I talked with Alison Doyle, an expert on career issues, to get her thoughts about social media and how job candidates can make better choices in protecting their online communications instead of having them become a barrier to their career goals.
With social sites, the underlying assumption is that it’s OK to let your guard down when expressing your views. After all, you’re among friends, right? Here’s the problem: Your personal conversations are not that personal when they’re online. Doyle has a phrase that paints a great visual, and I think is true: the Grandma Rule. She says, if you can’t share what you are saying or doing online with your grandma, think twice about posting it.
If employers are asking for passwords for your personal accounts, the job seeker may want to stop and reflect before moving ahead.
Here are some suggestions to consider when discussing your social media use with an employer:
If an employer asks for information you deem personal — outside of reference and background checks — ask for clarification and convey your sense of discomfort with asking such information. You have the right to decline not only from a personal perspective and because you may be violating Facebook terms of service by complying.
Be careful who you “friend” on social networking sites, and that includes your colleagues or employer. While you may receive numerous invitations and requests, use good judgment when accepting offers.
Change your privacy settings and keep them updated.
Employers can find enough information to make good hiring decisions using traditional background-check sources. While character is an important part of an overall impression, judging whether or not you will make a good employee based on a couple of photos online is a slippery slope.
Weigh the pros and cons of accepting a job if an employer asks for such access, even if you really need a job. Their request can give you a glimpse of the company culture. Some fields will need more security checks than others, and that’s to be expected. It’s the request outside the norm that should raise a red flag for you as a job candidate.
In general, be careful what you post online. Stop and think how each item could affect your career goals. More importantly, it’s the crossing of the boundaries you need to keep in mind as a future employee.
Do you think employers asking for personal passwords are isolated events? How would you respond if you were asked?
