Job hunting and Facebook

mickyboy

Hi boards.

I'm currently applying for work in some large multinational corporations both here and abroad. I'm guessing these companies will have huge resources dedicated to researching possible candidates.

I have my Facebook privacy settings restricted to friends only but I'm guessing this might be easy to hack. I was thinking would it be easier to go back and delete certain photos and posts. There would be quite a number of posts to review. Does anybody know if there's a quick ways to delete these posts.

Also if anyone has inside HR knowledge or tips regarding Facebook and applications could they post them here.

Thanking you in advance,

Mickyboy

Thargor

I think you're way off there, companies dont go around hacking prospective employees social media accounts for a look, whoever did it and whoever ordered it would be sent to prison and the company would be fined millions for that in pretty much every country with a functioning legal system. Also sites like Google and Facebook are under continous attack from actual criminals and spend millions on their defences every year so they're pretty much unbreachable.

Dump anyone from your friends list that you dont know personally and maybe tone down the profile image if its you sucking on a bong or something and you'll be fine, companies are more interested in your CV and Linkedin than your Facebook account.

mickyboy

Thanks Thargod for the advice. Hack was too strong a word to use. I was just fearful that they maybe able to access my profile through legal ways and means without my knowledge.

Thankfully its only a few drunken holiday photos and a few silly posts from years ago. No photos of drug usage of which I remember

biko

It's unlikely they will attempt a breach of social media unless there is something in it for them, like something that would embarrass them if it became known or you are a high-profile employee.
This is just a guess not knowing the company or the job but just try google yourself and see what shows up. If you have a friend in IT ask them to try to dig up any dirt on you. There are also "digital profilers" for hire a company could outsource to.
Some sites will scrape info from social media and other sources like linkedin to present as their own. This info can be years old but will still be linked to you.

If you get a job you will probably get friend requests from workmates/bosses. For me I do not accept those as I keep my private life away from work.

Moofster

I'd say just make sure that your banner and profile photos looks nice and are suitable for your future bosses to like. They're the only thing they'll be able to see... or for fun, you could Google yourself (te-he) to see what pops out. Also, i'd suggest you to have a good Linkedin profile!

pamello

try Branch Out. it's a Facebook app specifically designed to find work-connections within your FB network

sheesh

Have a clean facebook account with some of your nicer friends and show them that if asked. update it occasionally.

'tough 10 mile swim finished now on to my mensa meeting!'