Excelle

Why would an employer bring up something like that? In my opinion, sites like MySpace and Facebook are used professionally if the individual sets up their page for professional use to promote their business. Others are looking to make friends and keep in touch with those friends and family. If you do not act professional around your family, why must you put on that mask in an online profile that was meant to be social? That's just my opinion.

I can tell that I've no facebook page and they won't
find me via search becauze there is a property in the privacy options that prevents others from reaching you ! :D

It's one thing that they search our names on google and go to our social pages to see what we allow to be public. Asking us to pull up a FB page on an interview, though (thereby implying they'd like us to be logged in at the time)? That's appalling. Do your own dirty work. I keep parts of my online profiles private for a reason.

I have both FB and LinkedIn, and I would be happy to bring up my LinkIn account. Like everyone else, I have no problems bringing up my FB account, because I also promote my business on the account, as well as LinkIn. The only problem is I have people who like to send those applications, and I recently found a game I like.

If approached, I would offer my LinkedIn account, because it is more professional, and I feel that is ground for discrimnation if they consider having a FB account a waste of time.

As an employer I would not ask to see someone's face book, and if I were in the position of looking for a job, I would not agree to bring up my FaceBook page - Linked In, yes. I have nothing on FB to be ashamed of and the executive directors of some organizations I work with are "friends" of mine on FB, so there is some overlap after relationships are established. My reasoning is based on the fact that FB includes personal information - answers to questions that employers a not legally allowed to ask in an interview process for reasons of discrimination. For example; are you married, are you homosexual, are you politically aligned with any party, how old are you etc. While it would be very difficult to prove discrimination from any personal information gained, this information is protected from the hiring process for a reason. Employers should check references for the type of information they might seek on a FB page, such as a highly judgmental or critical attitude about work or other people in general. I cannot think of any information which I would need to see in someone's personal communications, so I do not understand why even corporations would need or want to see this information. One note for those who maintain an FB page and may be searched on the internet for an interview: the google search will send viewers to a page which may show some group affiliations. So, you may not want to be a fan or member of a group which you would find embarrassing or off-putting to prospective employers - or clients.

I would be upbeat and respond positively to the request. It shows your enthusiasm towards your potential employer and the recruiter. Of course, you have to make sure there is nothing outrightly offensive on your social networking site.

In my opinion.. If your profile is public they have a right to see it. If have have taken steps to keep it private and limit access to friends and family then they have no right to even ask to look at it.

I really like your suggestions to help you avoid any possible hint of a perceived negative response by providing alternatives and plan your response in advance!

Excellent article!

I just read your article and find it interesting that over 50% said they would ask why and then decide. I wonder what answer the hiring manager might give the potential employee that would make it OK for them to show their facebook page.