Everyone reports on Facebook privacy infringements, especially when employers are as egregiously violating personal space and freedom of speech by asking for your password.
We can argue that Facebook is not protected since it is public as the user desires, but if I were looking for a job, and an employer waits until I interviewed several separate times with different personnel, participated in the company’s behavioral assessment, signed off on a waiver stating it’s ok to approach and question my references, and ask for my Facebook password…well, my answer would sound like Nopey’s answers.
My suggestion for job seekers to create a Facebook fan page for career purposes could fulfill and deter a few employers, but for positioning yourself as a committed professional is priceless. Yes, only your professional brand as a brand page! Why not?
It’s not a new idea. I suggested it about 2 years ago on my Competitive Resumes blog.
What have you got to lose? Well, your privacy if you forfeit your password.
So, be like Nopey…and refuse access. You have good reason to do so.
If your Facebook page is truly private, then all the private information such as marital status, race, sex, religion are likely vulnerable. It is not legal for employers to consider this closely guarded information to as part of their hiring decision.
A “public” Facebook fan page is a WIN for you as it should demonstrate your business and professional acumen. For a few perhaps the only other social media profile needed (Other than LinkedIn).
Here are some suggestions how it could be used:
- Although it is not a place for you to cry for help, but to help those who need to cry. Sharing information about what has help you, or warn users of what you learned. Interacting with fans could be impressive and persuasive to employers
- Show your personality (your best) but watch what you say. Fun makes you more engaging, but remember than less is more sometimes
- Join potential companies fan pages and engage them in conversations
- Host a networking event starring you
- A little creativity such as professional photos, work or project photos, and networking event photos will spice up your page. As an alternative to giving away your precious password, offer an interesting Facebook fan page.
- In other words, be like Nopey.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers," career consultant, job seeker advocate, career writer, and founder of this award-winning blog. I help the employed, unemployed, underemployed, and under-appreciated find jobs using job search strategies to navigate the new job market. I aim to give a safe place online to those with different needs, cultures, and ethnicities to find their voice in the job market. Thousands have read my career advice throughout the web as I write about everything from job search strategies to the mobile job search. I have published more than 400 articles on this blog and some of the largest career sites such as Recruiter.com, YouTern, and Come Recommended. I've been quoted in major online publications such as Monster, TIME/Money, Fortune, Business Insider and MSN. FlexJobs, JobMonkey, Aerotek, Career Pivot, and CareerSherpa listed my podcast as one of the top podcasts to help your job search. Love for you to sign up for the weekly newsletter. I share the latest articles I've written, new podcast episodes, and answer any questions you may have. The new job search is scary and if you need help, I am here for it!