I have a question for you. How can social media be
"social" if users fear reprisal for their contributions?
Shouldn't you be free to be yourself?
Something to consider...
According to a 2014 CareerBuilder survey,
nearly half of employers surveyed check out candidates online prior to making
offers. Below are some examples that ended in candidates' elimination
from consideration:
- Job candidate posted
provocative or inappropriate photographs or information
- Job candidate posted
information about them drinking or using drugs
- Job candidates bad-mouthed
their previous company or fellow employee
- Job candidate had poor
communication skills
- Job candidate had
discriminatory comments related to race, gender, religion...
- Job candidate lied about
qualifications
- Job candidate shared
confidential information from previous employers
- Job candidate was linked to
criminal behavior
- Job candidate’s screen name
was unprofessional
- Job candidate lied about an
absence
There is still work to be done regarding the legality and ethics of
utilizing social media information in hiring decisions. The Society for
Human Resource Management (SHRM) posted two perspectives on their website in
late 2014 in an article entitled, Should Employers Use Social Media to
Screen Job Applicants?
The "yes" respondent advised:
Employers can minimize the legal risks and maximize the business benefits
of social media if the screening is part of the reference or background check
that is made before extending an offer or after extending a conditional offer.
The "no" respondent advised:
As HR professionals, we are called on to use ethical and legal best
practices and to not take the easy way out by simply searching social
networking sites. So, if you wouldn’t peek into the applicant’s window at home,
why look into his or her postings on social media?
Social media users vary in their opinions and personal practices. Some
are very social, warm, genuine and share widely. Others keep in the
background and remain guarded of their personal life. Neither is wrong.
However, the fact remains that your social media contributions may be
acceptable to some and considered offensive or over-sharing by others.
So, yes, be yourself! But, be aware how your contributions may be
viewed by outsiders, particularly if you are seeking employment. Make sure you
review the elimination criteria from CareerBuilder above, and make the best judgment
for yourself going forward.
