Employers Use Social Networks to Determine Hire

As if the application and interviewing process aren't nerve-racking enough, employers are beginning to use student profiles from online communities to determine whether applicants are worthy for hire.

Before the rise of social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, companies would use processes like e-screening to get background information on potential employees.

However, with the internet becoming less private, employers have found that all the information they need can be found on an applicant's personal page. Pictures, interests, friends and other personal information that can be found on profiles have suddenly become the basis for whether a prospect is hired or overlooked.

"I can see why they might want to do that because you can see how a person really is when they aren't in a professional atmosphere," said Keah Moffet, a sophomore broadcast major from New Orleans. "But, judging whether a person should have a job or not based on their pictures tagged or quotes on their page isn't right."

Most students share the opinion of Moffett. The use of information from social network sites is a mounting concern for Hampton students who believe that information found on their personal page should not be used to judge their professionalism.

"The decision should be based on your application and your interview, not your profile on Myspace or Facebook" said Moffet.

Jewel Jones, sophomore public relations major from Tyson's Corner, Va. agreed.

"MySpace and Facebook, or sites like them, are tools I use to communicate with my friends," said Jones. "They aren't professional websites, they're social networking tools. There's a difference."

The biggest difference between the two would be the image an applicant might portray on their page. Websites like Linkedin.com allow students the opportunity to display a more business savvy image. On websites like Facebook.com, photos and notes can be tagged to your page, and messages from other users can be written on your wall. Additionally, most students use these kinds of online communities as a means of staying connected with their peers, rather than obtaining a job.