Do you know about social networking sites? Well, if you don’t, you shouldn’t feel bad because not so many people are even aware of the concept of social networking sites. Social networking sites are online platforms where you contact your friends online through the site. Online information about your availability and sharing of photos makes your virtual life closer to reality. In addition to regular social networking websites, professional networking websites are also available and allow for the interaction of professionals and sharing of professional opportunities.

Employers and Your Social Networking Profile – Is there even a need?

While social networking had previously been used only for casual reasons, it has becomes a source for prospective employers to know more about candidates who have applied for positions with their company. In fact it is being said that many companies are keeping track of their employees through these social networking websites.

There are cities where candidates applying for city jobs are required to give their usernames and passwords for any of their social networking websites including their chat room passwords. The concern among job seekers is whether such requirements are legal and how far it should be complied with as it amounts to invasion of privacy.

While it is true that employers object certain activities of their prospective candidates like illegal behavior, offensive statements and instances of bad mouthing, it is most unlikely that such a behavior can be traced through social networking websites.

Social Networking Profiles in Working Environment…

While some find referring to social networking websites offensive, some like Jon Yarbrough, partner at Constangy, Brooks & Smith law firm are of the view that there nothing wrong about it. In some states, it has even become a law that it is no employers’ business to check out what an employee is up to after office hours.

While the general law is that you can do anything and everything lawful during your non-office hours, the question is whether the law covers even applicants to jobs and what really matters to employers about what an employee is engaged in non-office hours where there is nothing unlawful.

You may never know what is in store, so it is best to clean up your profiles, just to ensure nothing will cost you a dream job. It is also possible to create two profiles, one for personal use and the other for employers to see as a public face.

Do you think sharing personal information with your prospective employers is a good idea? Should we be more open about it? Or this is just another way to breach into someone’s privacy?