Social Media Reference Checking

Last week I discussed how social media sites like LinkedIn can assist you in your job search. This week the other side of the coin – how social media sites can hurt you.

Referencing Checking

Reference checking is not the same as it used to be when recruiters checked with former employers and professional references you gave them. Now companies do criminal background checks, credit checks, education checks and social media reference checking. How do you do a social media reference check? Just google your name. Seriously, you’ll be amazed what you find. On Facebook? It shows up. Twitter? Same thing.

Should I Be Worried?

You may be thinking, so what? I’m a boring person, and my Facebook page and Twitter feed are boring too. But look at other people on Facebook. Highly inflammatory comments, obscenities and accounts of questionable behavior abound. A company may be thinking does this person exhibit the best judgment? My best advice is think before you post. There are consequences to our actions.

Big Brother

The truly scary part of this is companies who are requesting your password to check your account. I cannot see how this is legal as there is information such as your date of birth that no company has the right to ask for. In my opinion as a non lawyer, that is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I would not give my password to any social media outlet to a potential employer. I would pass on this employer. You just got a sign that this isn’t a place you would want to work for.

Next week – if your search is stalling, re-evaluate.