You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Facebook Impression

by Claire Dixon, Executive Director, Talent Market 

Like it or lump it, you are what you Facebook. And employers are increasingly using the site to research potential hires. With a few clicks, a wealth of information is available about candidates – including philosophical beliefs, friends, groups, and depending on what they post, level of professionalism/maturity.

Isaac Morehouse, founder and CEO of Praxis, tells me this about FB:

“I use Facebook as a supplement to applications since it puts a human face on candidates and shows what makes them unique by the content they post and groups with which they associate.  It also weeds out bad candidates.  The worst offense is when someone posts passive-aggressive comments about the selection process or our organization before a decision has been made.  That’s an immediate reject.  Even after getting turned down, complaining over Facebook is a terrible idea.  For me, it guarantees you will not go on a waitlist or be recommended by me for other opportunities.  Your Facebook personality should be a social asset, like a trusted friend who always puts the party at ease with a good joke or intelligent comment; not a liability like your crazy roommate who just might say something offensive or embarrassing at any moment.”

Candidates, take heed. Privacy settings be damned – it’s best to assume every comment and/or photo you post on FB can be seen by potential employers. So let’s all spend a few minutes today reviewing our FB profiles…maybe it’s time to take down that keg-stand photo after all.