With social media sites like Facebook and Twitter being scanned more and more by employers it’s no wonder that there are many that are starting to ask potential employees for their login passwords to these sites. There have even been a few cases where hiring managers have asked applicants to actually log into their Facebook accounts during interviews. A little much- don’t you think?!
With social media sites like Facebook and Twitter being scanned more and more by employers it’s no wonder that there are many that are starting to ask potential employees for their login passwords to these sites. There have even been a few cases where hiring managers have asked applicants to actually log into their Facebook accounts during interviews. A little much- don’t you think?!
Unbelievably this invasion of privacy is no big deal to those who are desperately searching for a job in this economy, but for most it’s an intolerable and over-demanding request. Talk about getting way too personal in the work place, many companies even have policies that force their employees to be friends with their HR department on Facebook. No one wants to work in an environment that they feel they aren’t trusted and are constantly being watched. Whatever my online reputation might be on Facebook is none of my employer’s business. Your work life and personal life shouldn’t be mixed, its way too intrusive and stressful to deal with having to monitor what you post on your own Facebook page.
Being an employer looking for talented recruits, you don’t want someone who would fit the position you’re trying to fill perfectly, leave the job before they start and join forces with your competitor. And that’s pretty much what you’re asking for when trying to push it a little too far by asking for such private information.
We know it’s illegal for employers to ask for information regarding sexual preference, religion and race, but by demanding access to personal social media accounts sort of violates that law because employers would have access to all of that information which could be used to sway hiring decisions.
Luckily for all opposed to this unlawful invasion of personal information, Facebook has recently threatened legal action towards those employers who are asking for account passwords. In section 4.8 of the Facebook Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, it states that “you will not share your password, let anyone else access your account, or jeopardize the security of your account.” In the social media world we’ve come accustomed to; many people would rather find a different job than lose their Facebook accounts, and sooner rather than later employers will realize that.
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