Responses to Yesterday’s Social Networking Post
Diane Ensey over at Do Real Time has a thoughtful response to my post from yesterday about putting information from social networking sites in its proper context during the hiring process:
I’d suggest anyone hiring read the article, but with one caveat. I’d ask the candidate why they have the photos and/or information posted about themselves. They won’t be expecting the question and the answer could be an insight into how they see the world.
I absolutely agree with this in principle but employers need to be aware of some entangled legal issues. An attorney friend of mine told me today via e-mail:
I think it would depend on why the “light” he/she was in was considered bad. If it related to religious beliefs or some other protected class (sexual orientation for example), then I would steer clear. But if it was something like being sprawled out on the ground with beer cans all over, being nude, lewd, etc., then I would ask away.
My dear friend Michelle–who is an ultra-responsible med student–also had an excellent contribution to the conversation. She pointed out that people generally put only the most extraordinary photos up on their MySpace pages. Employers need to keep in mind that a MySpace photo of a potential employee dancing on the banquette at Bungalow 8 might be representative of one of the most amazing–and uncharacteristically party-heavy–nights of her life. Asking about the photo might elucidate that further and give you some information about how she sees the world and the Web.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Yep … people want to have fun and enjoy a relaxing environment when they are not under the “work” environment, but how do you hide your freaky self from the boss?
You can’t.
No matter what laws they pass, employers will still Google you and see everything you did and said online that was cached by Google.
I used to write a blog/newsletter where I would touch on some sexual and political topics. As years went by and I’ve aged (24 now) … I had to get rid of those newsletters and instead run a Blog where I still allow my self to be free in what I say, BUT with a little filter though.
Very good point about the legal aspects. It is definitely a fine line. I also like what Michelle said - the answer you get from the candidate might truly impress you. Asking the question, though, makes the candidate think on their feet, which is a good interview test.
The whole issue resonates with me because of a hire I made during my purgatory in corporate-land. The candidate interviewed very well, had excellent references and very good skills. Unfortunately she believed that there was absolutely no connect between what she did in her personal life and her work life. She ended up embarassing the company in front of an important client, whom we nearly lost because of it.
Igor: I too had to reevaluate what I chose to put out there about myself when I entered the real world post-college. I think that’s a pretty normal process that’s been exacerbated by the existence of the Web.
Diane: Part of the problem here is that what crosses the line is completely subjective. I’ll be interested to hear more about what happened with your staffer—if you’re willing to share—when we see one another at the Blog Business Summit this October.
Also, Diane, wouldn’t you agree that just about everyone you hire–regardless of how polished, brilliant, well-educated and the like–will make a big mistake at some point?
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