Can an employer refuse to hire you due to your Facebook status?

1. 75

   KeithTaxposted 13 years ago

   Can an employer refuse to hire you due to your Facebook status?
   
   Can an employer force you to friend him on Facebook or require you to provide access to your social networking accounts even if private?

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2. 68

   Lektricblueposted 13 years ago

   Short answer - yes.  Longer answer - yes, so far.  Although some civil liberties groups have challenged this practice, the fact is some people have been denied employment for refusing to allow a prospective employer access to their facebook profile.  Of course, others have been denied employment for more trivial matters, although the prospective employer doesn't necessarily come right out and say so.  The fact is, job applicants are discriminated against every day for a variety of reasons, including this one.

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3. 0

   Gusserposted 13 years ago

   The employer can do as he wishes. It's his business. You can do as you wish. You are not forced to work there.

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4. 68

   anusujithposted 13 years ago

   If an employer does it, this is totally ridiculous. Every human being believe on their privacy. Interrupting in this is foolishness. I believe that this kind interruption shows his or her manners and mannerisms.

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5. 0

   Larry Wallposted 13 years ago

   He probably can, but he probably should not. I have a Facebook page that I never post anything to, but "friends" are always putting stuff on my wall. What does that tell an employer.
   
   He certainly has the right to ask about it and depending upon your answers, he may have reservations. I would be hesitant to hire someone who feels compelled to post his or her every activity, movement and event in their life. They may be tempted to post some company information that may not be ready for release.

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   1. 75

      KeithTaxposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I think an employer wants to weed out problems before they develope. FaceBook says a lot about the character of the employee/potential employee.

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6. 60

   ib radmastersposted 13 years ago

   There are many things that an employer shouldn't do but they can and often do them.
   
   People that post on Facebook or any online activity must realize that there is little privacy and even less protection. This also goes for their cell phones and emails.
   
   Most employment in the private sector today is covered by the employer's "At Will Employment Contract". This contract holds the employee's employment at the will of either party, but the important party is the employer.
   
   This allows the employer to dismiss an employee without giving a reason, and even an unlawful act is hard to prove without evidence.
   
   So the Facebook status requirement can easily be subverted by the employer simply asking for your password. As far as I know there is no legal protection against them asking for your password.
   
   Currently, this is an employer market.
   So the smart thing to do is have two Facebook accounts, and make one for the employer, and the other one a private friends and family only. Use a nickname or something to differentiate the two accounts.
   
   Move to Google Plus as an alternative, but always be mindful of privacy.

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