Employers ask for FB passwords. Is it legal? Is it right? Are you confused by it all? Being social media savvy is vital to your job search. Know the role it plays.
There has been much discussion about Facebook and employee job searches over the last few years. In recent months, prospective employers have requested Facebook passwords.
With all the discussion and brawl, it’s gotten a bit confusing. What not to do So, what? When to do it? Why does it?
There are benefits and drawbacks to using Facebook (or any other social networking site) for job hunting. Therefore, if you are one of the millions of Americans who use Facebook and seek a job, here is some advice on using social media effectively.
You Want My What?
Don’t get snared like a deer in the headlights when an employer asks for your Facebook password. Know that it might happen and know how to respond.
In March 2019, Reuter’s article, “More Employers Asking for Facebook Passwords,” writer and lawyer Stephanie Rabiner, Esq. suggests that even though requesting your FB password is legal, employers should think twice about making this movie. There are several discussions about banning the practice (the state of Maryland already has). However, Rabiner offers employers a solution: would-be friend employees instead. So consider this request carefully before you accept it.
Additionally, before you walk into your following job interview, you should be prepared for some assistance on how to respond to a potential employer’s request for your FB password.
Finding Work on Facebook
The usage of social media for recruitment and job seeking is growing. For example, Aoife Gorey’s article “Fired Over Facebook” reports that 70% of recruiters rejected job applicants based on online information in a recent Microsoft study. In contrast, a Reppler survey found that 91% of companies use social networks for screening.
Furthermore, some statistics from Infographic posted in the April 2012 article “The Stats on Social Media Recruiting” suggest that 94.5% of recruiters used LinkedIn for hiring. Suggestions to job seekers include:
- Get social media referrals
- Follow recruiters such as @electra, @Fishdogs, and @smheadhunter on Twitter
- Use keywords in your profile bio
Another Reason to Use Facebook in Your Job Search
As the Gorey article warns, don’t rush to delete your FB account just yet. The Reppler survey also found that 68% of the time, having a social presence contributed to someone being hired.
Your success will be determined by your Facebook and other social media usage. Moreover, one of the primary factors that will be important in your job search is that you are in touch with the latest trends and technology and can use the newest apps and social media.
So while you may not want to share your private information with a potential new employer (especially if you grouse online about the difficulty of finding a job), having the right skills and knowledge will be necessary to your job search. It’s just a matter of understanding the role that social media can take in your job search efforts.
