Should your employer or potential employer have access to your Facebook page?

1. 59

   ashtonspenposted 11 years ago

   Should your employer or potential employer have access to your Facebook page?

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2. 93

   MsDoraposted 11 years ago

   That's an individual decision, but if your Facebook page includes things you do not want to discuss with your employers, I'd advise against making them Facebook friends.

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      ashtonspenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your feedback MsDora. I agree with your comment. But, I am always baffled when I hear stories about employers discovering inappropriate content on an individual's FB page. How? Are they sharing their password or friending the employer?

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3. 66

   Writerly Yoursposted 11 years ago

   This is a great question.
   
   It's the sign of the times, Ashtonspen.  Employers will use it and they will make decisions based on it. Whether you give them information or not. Profiles can be viewed and where there's a will, there's a way.
   
   I'm a parent of two boys and at their school we had a parental social media workshop where they gave so many examples of students applying to college being rejected because of things they have said and posted on line--straight A students too. So, yes, even if they do or do not have access they are checking and browsing.
   
   Another employer that outright asks for Facebook information is law enforcement agencies. They will most definitely view and make decisions, about your character, based on these things.
   
   Therefore, to answer your question, it's not a matter of should they, but they just do, one way or the other.  I understand the concern, but let's face it, we live in this digital, social age and we must be socially responsible for what we do on line. Digital footprints last a lifetime.
   
   Like Ms. Dora stated, do not put anything that you do not want to be seen on line. Period. It's simple and sound advice in a not so common sense society that we live in. 
   
   Thank you for this question.  You should definitely create a hub about it!

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      ashtonspenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Writerly Yours, I really appreciate your thoughtful and well written comment. I totally agree with you and Ms Dora.

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      Writerly Yoursposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are welcome. And, keep up the great questions.

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4. 79

   delaneyworldposted 11 years ago

   Employers do tend to check out Facebook pages of potential candidates. My recommendation to everyone is to check your privacy settings and be sure that only friends can see your information.
   
   I find it disturbing in this day and age how much information potential employers have access to about candidates and employees. There should always be a distinct line between your private and public life.  It is up to us as individuals to ensure we do not share information we want to keep private. Once it is out there, you cannot take it back.
   
   I recommend always erring on the side of caution. Set your Facebook to private and be very cautious about what you write in regard to any social media like Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, forums, etc. 
   
   There are many benefits to the digital age, but also many pitfalls that can haunt us for years to come.  Good luck everyone and take care. This was a great question!

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      ashtonspenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for answering the question delaneyworld. I enjoyed reading your response.

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5. 0

   Larry Wallposted 11 years ago

   Whether he should or should not makes no difference. If you are on Facebook, anyone can find you. So if you have items on Facebook that might prevent you from getting a job, you need to start some major editing. I know I have been checked when I was job searching. I was told on the second of three interviews for the job. The interviewer said he enjoyed some of my Hubs and then ask if I really knew all the people. I told them I did not know half of them, but there are ways of getting on somebody's page that I do not understand. I do not post any personal material on Facebook.

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      Writerly Yoursposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Mr. Wall, you are absolutely correct. Well said. Privacy is non-existent anymore. Settings and all , you can still be found. In addition, I am not on Facebook. I choose not to be. However, my family has put up childhood pictures!. Nothing is private.

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