Monday, 22 October 2012

Future Employers and Facebook


Labour laws in Canada prevent employers from inquiring about age, marital status, and personal information, such as your Facebook password. Just because Canada has these labout laws does not mean employers will not ask you for your Facebook password.

And while some employers may not ask for your password, they may ask you to log in during the interview or accept a friend request from the hiring manager while the interview process is still occurring.

Of course, several employers and job counseling firms, and Facebook have all stated that anyone faced with this situation should refuse to hand over their personal information. Some people worry that by refusing to give their passwords they will no longer be considered for the position, but they should be worrying if this is the kind of employer and company they want to work for? As well, if the company is asking for your password despite the fact it is a violation of privacy, what makes you think they haven’t already viewed it?

Although Canada has strict labour laws that respect privacy rights, should labour laws be formed that specifically address social media and the surrounding issues? Either way, more people than you think have probably seen your Facebook page, which is why everyone should be cautious of what they post and their online identity. 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/potential-employer-wants-your-facebook-password-just-say-no/article4096413/

1 comment:

  1. This post poses such a dilemma because if an individual doesn't let their future employer see their Facebook, what are they hiding? As much as it is a breach of privacy, if you don't want a future employer to see what you're putting on Facebook, maybe you shouldn't be posting it on Facebook! Think about that the next time you click SHARE!

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