Why Facebook Can Kill Careers National Parents Center

Why Facebook Can Kill Careers

May 7, 2011 – 12:44 pm

NEW YORK, NY, April 20, 2011 More than 75% of college students may be using Facebook in a way that will damage their opportunities for a job after they graduate. In a recent research study I conducted at Pace University examining college students use of Facebook, several examples of unprofessional postings were reported by students compiling a sample of 100 colleges and universities in the United States. Researchers noted that male students are more likely to post a Facebook Faux Pas than female students.

The research revealed that several key features of Facebook were found to display information text or photos that if not carefully thought through, could convey an image or character traits that most employers do not want in a prospective employee.

Researchers examined the primary photos that students use as their identity, a sample of other photos in their album, status updates, organizations that they belong to, and events that they are encouraging others to attend. The findings revealed that 76% of the students had something that an employer might find offensive. The study did not look at all the material on the students sites and did not include an examination of the photos of friends, which can be an issue for some people. Based on these factors, the 76% number is probably on the low side of problem material likely to be found on college students Facebook pages.

Recruitment experts agree that the use of Facebook should be done in a way that protects the user. According to Nicole Haltses, Director of Recruitment at Merit Personnel, Employers consider Facebook an employment tool, and inappropriate material could therefore be a red flag to them. I have experienced a situation where a candidates job offer was rescinded when the potential employer saw, and strongly disapproved of, what they perceived as a distasteful Facebook page. Use common sense when deciphering what personal information you want the world to see.

• particularly photos and status updates that does not present you in a professional manner.

• to confirm that no one other than your friends can access information that you prefer to keep private. Recheck these settings often because privacy policies at Facebook may change and impact your settings.

• (such as Google) to identify information about you that appears in the results.

• that you provide only to your friends and other people that you trust. This will make it more difficult for others to find you on Facebook unless you want to be found.

• You may find that others are posting material about you that you need to request be removed.

•

National Parents Center