Social Media - Keep It Clean

Matt Guerriero, Campus Representative, University of Pittsburgh

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can pose a problem to employers and applicants looking for a job. There has been much discussion and controversy recently about what should be on Facebook pages, and if employers are allowed to downgrade someone because of what is on their page. While there is no clear cut answer about this controversy, there are pros and cons associated with social media. In an article titled, “Millennials: Protect Your Privacy”, Gary Steele writes about the concerns employers have about recently hired employees. The article can be read here.

The loss of sensitive company information through e-mail has long been a concern. In the past five years we’ve seen companies become even more worried about social networks. This is especially true because they hire increasing numbers of tech-savvy Millennials for their workforce. In a recent survey of large enterprises, we found that 53 percent of executives are highly concerned about the risk of information leakage via social networking sites.

Many employees have lost their jobs because of what they post on their social media pages. Companies are clearly worried about information leaking on the internet so employees must be extremely careful about this. This applies to undergraduate students because this is the category of employees that employers are most worried about. We have grown up with a computer and are extremely comfortable with one.

There are some positives about social media. In the same article, Anne Berkowitch writes:

By smartly putting more information on the Web, you can, for example, improve your chances of finding—or being found for—a job. If you spend time connecting with current and former colleagues, maintaining those relationships, and keeping your virtual profiles up-to-date, you’ll increase your chances of being referred for a position or being proactively sought out.

I believe social media platforms can be helpful, but they must be used with extreme caution. You never know who is reading what you post online. The whole world doesn’t need to know about my life, so I think social media such as Facebook is just a way to connect with friends and possible employers in a professional manner.