{IMHO} — Facebook photos and the job hunt

2 November 2009 331 views Comments

Every now and then someone will ask me — when you’re looking to hire someone, do you really look at their Facebook account? My go to answer is to advise they keep the account on private…because yes, some people DO care what’s on there. But do I? Honestly no.

If I look at a person’s social network accounts before an interview, it’s more to get to know them a little better as a person. While I’ve heard of people not getting hired (or even getting fired) because of a drunken college photo on their Facebook page…that’s just not me and that’s not the way I approach it.

Honestly, for people like me – Facebook has followed me from my freshman year of college, through graduation, internships, and now into my career. Do I really feel like spending 15 hours sorting through the 2,000 photos I’m tagged in? No. My account IS set on private (and I still encourage yours to be as well), but that’s not to say I don’t accept friend requests from people I know professionally.

I’m a firm believer in being able to live your life as you want outside the office…and I’m pretty sure that’s the general consensus in my office. Plus, I’m never going to hold a few late night party photos against you if you’re what I’m looking for in an employee (or intern in this case)! — Just don’t bring it into the office! So it bothers me to hear of people loosing jobs because of a few bad photos. Plus, aren’t we a little hypocritical to judge someone based on a drunken photos when the majority of us have had one or two floating around sometime in the past? (I mean, did you see the IZEAfest pics?!)

But maybe that’s just me. It just annoys me that some companies are so overly concerned with Facebook photos…especially in the marketing/PR/advertising industry!

What do you think? When you’re looking to hire, do Facebook photos matter?

Keep in mind – this is just MY opinion and probably not the general consensus, so be smart and keep your party pictures private just in case : )

Nicole

Thanks, Kevin! I think you make very good points (especially regarding clients seeing the pages of an agency's employees), and that's why I encourage Facebook profiles to be private for sure!

However, I guess my main problem with companies basing too much on Facebook photos is that fact that who you are when you are 18 is not necessarily who you are when you're graduating college and looking for a job. Additionally, you can't always control what photos other people post of you. -- Which are also some very good reasons why I say keep it private.

I guess my "rant"-esque post was just because I don't like when I hear someone lost a job solely because of a Facebook photo and not because of how they were on the job or in an interview.

Social media is interesting in the job hunt - because it creates both opportunities AND challenges.

Kevin Mercuri

Yes, Facebook photos matter. I spoke to a group of recent college grads not long ago and advised them to delete or make private any and all risqué pics involving booze, too much skin, rude gestures, etc.

When we look at your Facebook page, we're developing a first impression. Do you project a positive/professional image? Are you going to clash with our existing office culture? Do you appear to be semi-psychotic?

Your Facebook isn't the BASIS of our impression, but it's a fairly good indicator. Additionally, if you're hired, it's a good chance that clients will see your Facebook page, which then becomes an extension of the agency's brand.

Clean it up