Tag: facebook pictures

Posted on

FACEBOOK CAN COST YOU A JOB

Be careful what you post on social media.  We’ve been hearing that for years—ever since Facebook began.  And yet, some people still haven’t got the message.  I have a friend who hires young people for jobs that don’t require a college degree. So how does he check them out?  First, he’ll do a routine background check.  But he doesn’t stop there.  Before he’s even received that first report, he’s already googled the job seeker’s Facebook.   There’s hardly a twenty something alive who doesn’t have an account.  And he always turns down candidates with what he considers offensive posts.

Facebook can cost you a job. If your cover photo looks like this, you may not get hired.
Facebook can cost you a job.  A cover photo like this may turn off prospective employers.

What’s offensive?  First and foremost, young women who post provocative pictures of themselves.  It’s amazing how many do.   “Hot” pictures of a woman in underwear with her tongue hanging out may attract a person hiring pole dancers.  But for an ordinary position like a restaurant server or office clerk, it’s usually a deal breaker.  You have to wonder what these girls are thinking.   Are they hoping to attract a man?  If they do, it’s going to be the wrong type. Like maybe an abuser or sex addict or even a serial killer.

The second worst turnoff is vulgar, four letter words or posters—especially if they’re accompanied by hostility.  Who wants a potty mouthed, outspoken angry person working in their organization?

Political rants and raves may offend an employer who doesn’t share your views. Best wait until you’re safely retired to express your opinion about elected officials.

Sometimes, a job candidate won’t have a Facebook page.  Or if they do, they don’t show their picture, and don’t post..  That’s not a good thing either.  The  person  may or may not have something to hide.  Actually, they could simply be a private person who isn’t comfortable posting on Facebook.  But that doesn’t help a prospective employer at all.  If he can’t find out a little bit more about you, he may hire the person who has a “good” Facebook page.

What attracts employers?  Family pictures are always appealing.  You love your mom and dad and brothers and sisters.  You enjoy holiday gatherings.  All of which means you’re a normal, caring human  being. Next are sports and school pictures.  Anyone who plays volleyball or tennis is probably in good health, and well disciplined.  Vacation pictures show that you are well rounded and  like to relax. Just don’t show yourself at a nude beach.

Be careful what you post on social media apps like Instagram, too.

Remember:  Facebook can cost you a Job.

Posted on

WARNING! FACEBOOK CAN MAKE OR BREAK STUDENTS

It’s hard to believe, but I’m now renting apartments to students who were born the year I retired! This means they’ve grown up on Facebook , Snap Chat, Instagram and other social media.  90% have at least one public account,   Sadly, many  young people  don’t realize that after they turn 16,  they’re in the real world.  And may not be aware  that Facebook can make  or break students.

Be careful how you appear on facebook.
STUDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT LANDLORDS AND EMPLOYERS WILL LOOK THEM UP ON FACEBOOK

Employers and landlords may look like ignorant old fuddy duddies, but they aren’t as dumb as you think. The first thing they do after receiving an application is look you up on Facebook.  Why not?  It’s cheap and  easy.  The first thing they will notice is what you are wearing.  Girls flaunting bikini bodies might appeal to a certain type of landlord or employer, but perhaps not for good reasons.  Casual clothes are expected, but a person can go too far.  Most of us don’t want to hire or rent property to exhibitionists.

Nowadays, many people don’t post much information about their education and work experience.  Actually, they should.  Someone who graduated from a good high school, or attends college should be proud to share that information.  It may  help with something as simple as landing a summer job.  Leaving that part blank raises questions.

On the other hand, most youngsters  aren’t shy about posting pictures of their friends.  Why? Because they see a large number of friends as a status symbol.  Some kids have over 1,000 so called friends. So this is the good thing for those sneaky folks who want to know more about you. There’s an old saying that you’re known by the company you keep.  Although you come across as fairly bland in your cover photo, you may have some really icky friends.– like people with a vocabulary consisting mostly of four letter words. Or  who brag about  their sex life, drinking habits, etc.   You get the picture.

Politics is another topic best left unsaid at this point in your life.  Many adults go on and on about their political beliefs on Facebook. .  But as a young person just starting out, it’s probably not a good idea to advertise your leanings  unless you’re involved in a political campaign.  A die hard conservative isn’t going to hire a flaming liberal, and vice versa.  So, unless you don’t want to work for or rent from a person whose political beliefs don’t align with yours,  you might not bring up the topic.

We’re in a pretty liberal society, and it’s no longer taboo to have babies with people you aren’t married to.  But if you’ve tried to pose as a single occupancy tenant, and your Facebook shows you holding your baby, it looks like you’re not being  truthful.  Another red flag.

Just remember, kids.  Facebook is just that:  the face you are presenting to the world. And if you aren’t comfortable with that idea, you might make it private, or delete it altogether.