Social networking sites could hurt job seekers
July 23, 2011 by admin
Filed under Lingerie Events
Facebook and LinkedIn have helped some job seekers find employment. But, what you put on your profile may not help, it could harm you.
We know the internet can be a helpful tool to find out information. Still, more and more companies are using that tool to dig into an applicant’s past, when considering hiring for a job.
You put the information on the internet. Chances are more eyes than you imagine, will see it. You may be even judged by it, if you’re looking for a job.
“Even though it might not be a stipulation on a resume, if you do have a Facebook profile, the point is it’s going to be out there for anyone to look at,” said Sunshine Barron, Branch Manager for AppleOne.
Sunshine Barron says some employers are now doing social media background checks.
Companies like Social Intelligence are scouring the internet looking for everything prospective employees might have said or done online in the past seven years.
Social Intelligence is based in Santa Barbara. Employees hire the company to look for pictures or information that may not be in the best taste.
“You don’t put your personal information on there cause it can harm you, and your pictures on there, people do not realize how much it can harm you,” said Michelle Fitch, AppleOne employee.
Michelle Fitch submitted her LinkedIn page when applying for her job at AppleOne.
Some privacy advocates believe the information may not be relevant to job performance.
“Then if they do they are responsible for getting both sides of the story. You can’t forever sit and dig into somebody’s life, and nobody should be obligated to run around and say no that didn’t happen,” said Bakersfield resident Cindi Wade.
“You might as well get a tattoo. It’s on you, that’s the world we live with today,” added Tom Bridges.
A world with an already tough job market and yet another hurdle when trying to land a new job.
The Federal Trade Commission raised concerns about companies like Social Intelligence. However, it later determined the company is in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
