Would you be willing to give up your social networking login information and passwords to get a job?
If your answer is no, you might want to start re-evaluating the information you’ve provided on your profile.
A recent article by the Associated Press discussed the controversy over the fact that a number of companies are now asking applicants to provide their Facebook username and password, so that they can see beyond the limited information that a private profile might reveal. Alternatively, other companies have asked applicants to log on to their profile while in an interview to view more detailed information. This practice has raised questions over the legality and ethicality of asking job candidates for such personal information.
At Building Team Solutions, when we set out to help a client recruit for the construction, facilities, industrial, or manufacturing industry we want to make sure that we provide them with the best possible candidate for the job. We strive to look beyond simply what appears on a resume and get to know the applicants we interview as people. In order to do so, we often view candidates’ Facebook profiles.
Although we have not asked an applicant to log on while at our office or give us their password, we are also dedicated to catering our services to our clients’ needs. If a client asked us to find out more information about a candidate, we would of course make sure to do so in an ethical, honest and legal manner. This process isn’t limited to looking into a candidate via social media-it could also include conducting personality assessments, and gathering details from reliable references. However, ideally we would like every candidate we present to our clients, whether for temporary staffing, permanent placement or a traveling crew, to be an outstanding individual with nothing to hide on their social media networking sites.
The fact is, social media sites provide you with a great space in which and opportunity to highlight your positive attributes and show the world what you’re all about. Instead of wasting that space with content you wouldn’t want an employer to see, use it show off the great things about you that we won’t find on your resume. Don’t just tell an employer that you’re a hardworking and dedicated individual, show them by using your timeline to showcase significant achievements you’ve made, whether personal or professional. Share honors, accolades or special groups that you’re a part of, especially those tied to the construction, industrial facilities or manufacturing industries. Subscribe to or Follow the people you admire or aspire to work with. Stay in touch with industry-specific news and join the conversation by insightfully commenting on articles and blogs regularly. It’s great to include a healthy dose of your personal life, but limit it to only things that you’d be comfortable with your boss or the rest of the office seeing!
If you’re a job-seeker looking to find out more about how you can show employers in the Construction, Oil and Gas, Industrial, Facilities Management or Manufacturing industry that you’re the right person for a job, or if you’re an employer looking to build a team of skilled, reliable, and quality individuals, look no further! Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you and we don’t ask you for your login.