question for employers/interviewers

touch · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:16

Do you check out potential employees on facebook before interviewing them?

(mods: a poll would be good for this?)

[FnG]magnolia · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:20

Why, what have you done?

I don't but it's becoming more and more common.

Fenris · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:22

One of the reasons I don't use facebook or use my real name anywhere online.

Anonymity, can't beat it.

Ahleckz · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:29

Fenris said:
One of the reasons I don't use facebook or use my real name anywhere online.

Anonymity, can't beat it.

That sounds like a challenge...
Heh, your birthday is only a day after mine. Mine is the 28th.

DB_SamX · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:47

Yes, some do.

Stringy · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:50

I'd check that they weren't a spacker by seeing if they'd set up their privacy properly. If they can't keep their own information away from prying eyes how awful will they be with mine/the company/organisations.

Greenlizard0 · 2 Sep 2010 at 22:51

I imagine most at least try to type the name in (if it's uncommon).

Cosimo · 2 Sep 2010 at 23:00

Yes it is done.

tomwantsmoar · 2 Sep 2010 at 23:31

I look, but only after I've interviewed them. That way I have no expectations other than what is on the CV.

Vonhelmet · 2 Sep 2010 at 23:34

I checked out an interviewer on Facebook before I went to the interview. I could only see her photo, but from that I figured out that she was a single parent of two, as there were kids but no wedding ring. As a married parent of two myself I then had some knowledge of her, common ground, something to talk about, and a way of getting her onside with my need for some flexibility in working hours due to my family commitments.

I got the job. Cashback.

tres · 2 Sep 2010 at 23:36

Rather terribly, I might only check some. But not for the right reasons.

Twentyone · 2 Sep 2010 at 23:38

I do think it's becoming more and more common these days too.

My previous boss even added me on Facebook after I had agreed to work there, before I started

I've removed one of my names from Facebook now though leaving the two that are quite common. Don't want that happening again!

Seft · 2 Sep 2010 at 23:44

Not quite the same, but I generally check linkedin before a business meeting.

Sawell · 3 Sep 2010 at 00:09

I checked out 3 candidates for an interview a couple of years back. There was two of us on the panel, and one of the candidates had a profile picture of him smoking a spliff.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't count against him. Sounds bad I know, but if the information is there in public then you have to accept that public means everyone.

Dave · 3 Sep 2010 at 00:20

vonhelmet said:
I got the job. Cashback.

Back of the net!

Hades · 3 Sep 2010 at 01:24

I'll check them out on LinkedIn to see if the CV I have in front of me matches their public profile

I also use LinkedIn when going for an interview to understand the backgound to the interviewer and therefore the likely questions they may ask.

Twentyone · 3 Sep 2010 at 01:27

It's actually a really good idea to check the person you are being interviewed by before going.

Will definitely do that the next time I'm job searching

Windle · 3 Sep 2010 at 17:41

I normally Google the name to see what pops up.