We’ve all been told to use Facebook for candidate sourcing and recruiting; we’ve warned those we know not to post anything outrageous online or anything we wouldn’t want potential employers to see. Just learning that our searches are captured is enough to scare me (hey, I like to google people – who doesn’t?)
Steven Rothberg of CollegeRecruiter.com is quoted as saying “My basic rule of thumb is don’t post anything on-line, anywhere, including Facebook, that you wouldn’t want to share with your favorite Grandmother…Also, have a close look at your photos. Do they portray you in a mature, professional light? If they’re goofy and funny, share them with your friends but don’t share them through Facebook because your future employer may see them and not approve”.
That’s understandable - just a matter of common sense right? Well what about employers? How many of us have a Facebook account? If you say “yes” then you most likely log in at least a couple to a few times a week if not more. Who are your friends? Do you mix your “real” friends with business acquaintances?
Personally I have two accounts. I have one for my personal life and one for my professional life. It’s not a matter of not wanting business colleagues to see what I’m posting. There’s nothing outrageous on my account although I’m sure the people who are interested in seeing photos of my son and a tomato from my garden are probably on my personal account (and even then I’m sure there are times when they wish I would stop). As diligent as I am about what I share I can’t control what others post on my wall or what photo they may have of me that they decide to “tag”. Side note: People really should ask permission before posting embarrassing photos and I swear that whatever I was wearing was in fashion at the time!
So when you stop and think about it: Isn’t it reasonable to assume that if you’re using social media sites and google to research potential candidates that they may do the same to you? If they do what will they find? Do you think that will impact their decision to work for you or view you as a leader?
Photo: spisharam - AWAY
Do you also have a separate Twitter handle for professional vs. Social?