Facebook profile pictures v prospective employers

markk said:
How would they know your the only one in the world?
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Coz my mummy says so. :p

But in all seriousness, if you type my name into FB, there is only one listed. They could have course believe that it may not be me, but the chances are they will know it is. I mean, most people are on FB now. Same as my Linkedin.
 
Whats worrying with Facebook is, most of the time if you make your profile "unfindable" you will still be able to see the profile pictures using a simple google image scan.

I know of 2 friends who have completely de-activated their accounts (following the ridiculous 14 day deactivation / deletion guide) and both their profile pictures are still available using google images :rolleyes: Even if they are just small preview pics of past cached websites, they are still there......

I also know of employers using mobile numbers and home phone numbers on CV's to see if they throw up any results for things you may have had for sale on Gumtree, or ads you have placed elsewhere.
 
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PASONIX said:
Whats worrying with Facebook is, most of the time if you make your profile "unfindable" you will still be able to see the profile pictures using a simple google image scan.

I know of 2 friends who have completely de-activated their accounts (following the ridiculous 14 day deactivation / deletion guide) and both their profile pictures are still available using google images :rolleyes:

I also know of employers using mobile numbers and home phone numbers on CV's to see if they throw up any results for things you may have for sale on Gumtree, or ads you have placed elsewhere.
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Very true. I know for a fact my old boss searched for me on FB and showed my profile picture to the team before I joined (which was a different pic).

She also then added me as a friend. I mean what are you supposed to do in that situation? The good thing is she became a friend when my contracting position expired and then contacted me again last week (through FB), to offer me a two month stint over xmas, which I have gladly accepted as job hunting is a massive chore at the moment.
 
facebook. comes with advantages and disadvantages so can't really complain if you're foolish enough to not take advantage of it. if anyone is worried about it then set up 2 profiles, one with you first and middle name for personal use and is unfindable, and the other with your first and last name for business use. simple.
 
Journey said:
Put up a boring photo until you have a job, or leave bookfacelol until you have a job.
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I've got to admit my initial thought was along the lines of this - if you believe that your photograph on FaceBook is holding you back then change it, apply for a few roles and see if you get any further. At most you've proved correlation than causation but if you've got a job then I doubt you care too much, if you don't get a job with that particular change then you can probably conclude that it isn't the picture...
 
Persoanlly it should be how react and what you wear, in your interview not in your 'spare time'. My employer has employed a wide range of people from different backgrounds and personal interests, and as long as they are capable I see why not.
 
@OP - if you're applying to big companies/banks in the city then don't worry...

Firstly you're more likely to find that an online search is carried out by the same vetting agency who checks your references, qualifications, employment gaps credit history etc... They are only likely to report back on you if there is a pic of you snorting a line of coke or puking up in the street half naked. Going snowboarding and having long hair are definitely not reasons for a vetting agency to flag up your online profile. And again the searches/checks are only carried out after you've accepted an offer.

Secondly HR depts in big banks are extremely conscious not to discriminate, some won't let head hunters pass over any information that reveals a candidates age, ethnicity etc.. they will be robotic - looking for brand name universities, minimum qualification levels and certain buzzwords on your CV - they certainly won't be forwarding on pictures of a candidate to the hiring manager. Their main role is to stop management from getting sued!

Lastly I'd say a decent enough % of people working in the city go on skiing/snowboarding holidays each year. Some companies even organise trips. The fact you enjoy snowboarding will likely be a plus - you're more likely to be asked about which resorts you like where you went last time etc..etc..
 
Mammalian said:
facebook. comes with advantages and disadvantages so can't really complain if you're foolish enough to not take advantage of it. if anyone is worried about it then set up 2 profiles, one with you first and middle name for personal use and is unfindable, and the other with your first and last name for business use. simple.
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Use linkedin for work :p

Captain_Slick said:
Employers that do judge employees by their facebook pictures probably aren't worth being employees for.
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The crap people tend to put on FB, it's no wonder employers use it. It shows what a potential employee is really like.

MW
 
When applying for a job I put up a respectable profile picture, make it so nobody can see my photos & keep my wall clear of anything incriminating.

At least until I know if I've got the job or not. :)
 
PapaLazaru said:
I am employed full time thanks.
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This threw me -

PapaLazaru said:
The good thing is she became a friend when my contracting position expired and then contacted me again last week (through FB), to offer me a two month stint over xmas, which I have gladly accepted as job hunting is a massive chore at the moment.
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Sounds like you're out of work but you will be having 2 months soon
 
I'd say that yes some prospective employers might do a quick 'google' on you and see what comes up.
However, that picture is fine :)
 
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