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Do potential employers really browse my Facebook pages?
For many years employers have done background checks, reference checks and sometimes even credit checks. Depending on the type of position you could potentially hold, it is important that the employer garner as much information, not just about your education and skills, but about your character. Many believe that credit scores give insight to character as well as the answers to probing questions during reference checks.
It is becoming increasingly popular to Goggle individuals, and look for them on LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. The content that is included in one’s Facebook profile is beginning to be used more frequently by employers. If someone has a Facebook page that includes a significant amount of personal information, there is a lot to be learned. Do individuals talk about their alcohol consumption, finances, indiscretions or personal relationships? Do they berate an employer or talk poorly about coworkers or others? These can all have negative ramifications when a potential employer is considering you, especially for responsible positions.
There is an old adage that indicates you should never say anything unless you want it on the front page of the newspaper the next day. One should think about this adage when populating their Facebook page, after all it is somewhat public domain. Therefore, if you wouldn’t want it on the front page of your local paper, it probably should not be on your Facebook page.
Pamela E. Zipperer-Davis, CEO of Millennium Radiology, Inc. and President of ZD Management, Inc., FACHE, FACMPE - Chair, the Women of Excellence Mentoring Subcommittee