2008 Woodie Awards
Employers get on Facebook site
Beth Lenehan '08
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: News
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Though Microsoft and Dave & Busters may not have much in common, they are united in one aspect: Facebook. In the past year, Facebook has caused controversy with the extension of membership to high school students and the recent news feed. Now companies can register to join and have employees create memberships. For many students who utilize the site, this move may have gone virtually unnoticed. Yet, for students who may be looking toward graduate school or entering the work force, concerns could be raised regarding what a potential employer could see on their profiles. The concern goes beyond Facebook, as MySpace and Google are other sites being used for online referencing.
"Online referencing is a growing trend that increasingly potential employers are using to see what information has been posted about candidates," said Kathleen Clarkin, director of career planning and internship service for Career Services.
Clarkin pointed to an article found on the Web site of the National Association of College and Employers (NACE). Both Clarkin and the NACE article emphasize the fact that information put on Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace may not be as private as they appear.
"Students don't realize that anything put online is in the public domain," said Clarkin. Now, through the use of Google, employers can find potential employees in community groups, forums, personal Web pages, and even in photos."
For some students, the use of the Internet could be to their advantage. For instance, said Clarkin, a student may have a personal Web page that contains his or her resume and achievements. If, however, the Web page does not project the best image, chances of employment could be damaged, said Clarkin.
Linda Ernst, assistant director and recruiting coordinator for Career Services, emphasized not only the risk for students looking for jobs, but also for those looking toward graduate school and high school seniors applying to college.
"Online referencing is a growing trend that increasingly potential employers are using to see what information has been posted about candidates," said Kathleen Clarkin, director of career planning and internship service for Career Services.
Clarkin pointed to an article found on the Web site of the National Association of College and Employers (NACE). Both Clarkin and the NACE article emphasize the fact that information put on Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace may not be as private as they appear.
"Students don't realize that anything put online is in the public domain," said Clarkin. Now, through the use of Google, employers can find potential employees in community groups, forums, personal Web pages, and even in photos."
For some students, the use of the Internet could be to their advantage. For instance, said Clarkin, a student may have a personal Web page that contains his or her resume and achievements. If, however, the Web page does not project the best image, chances of employment could be damaged, said Clarkin.
Linda Ernst, assistant director and recruiting coordinator for Career Services, emphasized not only the risk for students looking for jobs, but also for those looking toward graduate school and high school seniors applying to college.