Are there no more boundaries in social media for jobseekers and employees?

Where does the line get drawn in terms of using social networks to make hiring decisions?  

Nearly 90% of employers already use social media to scout talent via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, with nearly half of all employers always thoroughly searching applicant profiles.  That’s why best practices for job seekers now involve a thorough review of social media profiles to remove anything that may be construed as inappropriate.

However, it’s one thing for employers to search through what someone has publicly chosen to post in cyberspace, and another to sort through a profile using an applicant or employee’s own login information.

Recently, reports have surfaced of companies and organizations asking employees and applicants for this information for social networking and email accounts:

• Job seekers getting asked for Facebook passwords
• The Social Media Interview – What Employers, Employees and HR Should Realize

In their defense, employers are saying that it helps ensure employees aren’t participating in any illegal behavior and reflects favorably on anyone willing to undergo such a search.

In response to these incidents, Facebook has announced that they will challenge employers participating in such snooping.  They are encouraging employers to stop this behavior to protect themselves–and for good reason.  Poking around an applicant’s personal information, including gender, religious, and political affiliations, and then failing to extend a job offer can lead to some very sticky equal opportunity issues.  Facebook is also threatening to revoke app access to those companies that offer job applications within the social networking site that they feel may be abusing user information, and may even go so far as seeking legal action to protect users’ rights to privacy.

It is not our policy to screen applicants using social media, but what do you think?  How far should employers go in investigating your private life online?  Is it okay for certain jobs and not for others?  

I’ve made my references list…now what?

Digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Putting together a list of references and stapling it to your resume and cover letter aren’t always enough.  You want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of those carefully chosen names you sent to your prospective employer.

1. Stay in touch.  Whether it’s via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, email, postcards, Christmas cards, etc., make sure that you stay in some sort of contact with your references.  The last thing you want to do is have a potential employer make a phone call about you and your reference doesn’t even remember who you were.  Small gestures sometimes speak volumes, so don’t be afraid to check in every now and then and see how the person is doing.

2. Make sure that your reference knows she/he is a reference.  Check in with them first and ask if it’s okay to use you as a reference.  Not only will this prepare the person for that phone call or email, but if they really like you, they may be more inclined to provide  information about you as opposed to if a potential employer called asking out of the blue.

3.  Never limit yourself.  Make sure that your references list accurately reflects you.  Are your professional references five years old or more?  Consider rethinking listing them as a personal reference.  Potential employers want to talk to someone who’s worked with you recently.  They’ll certainly be looking at past references as well, but if all of your references are from positions you held several years ago, reach out to new contacts.

Keep in mind that in the legal-centric world we live in, professional references aren’t always so easily given.  Past employers may be afraid to say too much about an applicant and risk being sued if the applicant doesn’t get the job.  At the very least your reference can provide dates of employment, wage and title to a prospective employer, but if you’ve played your cards right, at the very most your reference can give a glowing review of your work ethic and talent.

No Summer Job? No Problem.

It’s nearly here!

Summer that is.  Most of us grizzled Upstate New Yorkers look upon summer with relief–finally a time to thaw out and soak up some sunshine before battling winter again.  However, for some students looking for jobs, this summer could be particularly trying.

As this article from the Huffington Post suggests, finding a summer job for many students will be especially hard due to the economy.  Youths are competing with unemployed adults that have more work experience and more flexible schedules.  However, if you find yourself one of the unlucky jobless teens, this summer doesn’t have to be a complete wash.

While that extra pocket cash and the work experience is great, if filling out application after application is getting you nowhere, don’t give up.  When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.   So instead of wasting away the summer months, take this opportunity to turn around your chances of getting a job next summer.  Turn that empty space in your work history into something positive by volunteering.

Depending on the opportunity, you’ll be building a myriad of skills that will help you become more marketable the next time you’re looking for a job.  Team building, people skills, providing service, etc. are all qualities that employers value. Taking an active interest in your neighborhood and building relationships with community leaders also demonstrates your stability and sense of responsibility to prospective employers.

In addition, by taking the time to volunteer, you’re also doing yourself a favor by helping to beef up your references.  Chances are your supervisor will be more than happy to write you a great recommendation for all the hard work you helped them accomplish.

Down the road, volunteer experience is also excellent to put on a college application. Outside of your GPA and school clubs, showing an active interest in your community demonstrates to the admission board that you’re a well-rounded person and someone worthy of that scholarship and seat in the lecture hall.

So yes. Of course having a summer job is the ideal situation. Putting money into your pocket and work experience onto your resume is a win-win. However, if you’re turning up empty with your job hunt, don’t just give up. By taking up a volunteer project, you might not be getting paid immediately, but the investment you’re putting into yourself in the long run will be worth it.

If you or your son/daughter is looking for a summer volunteer project, check with your school’s guidance counselor or individual organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club or local animal shelters and summer camps about potential opportunities.

And if you’re still stumped about finding a project, here are some online resources to help you get started:

• VolunteerMatch.org
• Serve.gov
• DoSomething.org

Do you have tips for students looking for summer jobs?  What do you think the summer will bring for employment opportunities?