Employers’ profile snooping valid
In reading Lana Yoo’s column about how it would be irresponsible for employers to use someone’s Facebook account as an applicant screening tool, I agree to a point (“Facebook: a distorted lens for viewing applicants,” Oct. 5).
Yes, our Facebook profiles only describe a fraction of our true selves. However, I would argue that the items people do choose to post on their profiles speak to the character of the person to some degree and are therefore not entirely worthless.
People, for the most part, have total control over what goes on their profiles. They can, as you said, portray themselves however they like.
How they choose to portray themselves, I think, is indeed a valid criterion for employers to take into consideration. Most people on Facebook know what they post on their profiles is public domain, but a good number of people don’t (or at least don’t seem to) care.
I don’t think employers necessarily would go to Facebook looking for dirt. If it were me, I would look at someone’s profile and ask: “Does this person seem to have any discretion about what is on here or is this person just letting anything go?” and “How much concern does this person have for how the public sees him and could this person potentially affect my company’s image?” and “Does this person seem to care that anyone can see what he or she posts?”
All of these questions are valid in making a hiring decision.
The bottom line, though, is employers do use Facebook and social networking sites to influence hiring decisions. How responsible it is for employers to do so is up for debate.
I wouldn’t call it any less irresponsible than, say, looking at people’s SAT scores to determine their admissions to college (a criterion proven to be unreliable, yet admissions departments still use it).
Agree with it or not, it is a reality of employment in this country. People on Facebook would do themselves good by realizing this sooner and adapting accordingly.
On a personal note, I agree with you that we should be able to put whatever we want on Facebook and other networking sites without fear of reprehension. If I were doing the hiring, I would give their online profiles a glance, but not let it make or break my decision to hire them.
Sidney Eads III
UCLA Class of 2006
UCLA a gracious home for outsiders
As one of the many Notre Dame fans at the Rose Bowl this past Saturday, I believe I speak for the majority of us attending the game in saying how well we were treated by the UCLA community.
As I walked through the campus Friday wearing my Notre Dame hat, students and others were very helpful in answering questions, giving directions and so on. I never heard a snide comment, which seems to be the norm for some at USC.
In fact, while waiting for a table at a restaurant in Westwood Village, I was invited by a couple of UCLA alumni and their wives to join them. It was an enjoyable evening.
And then, before the game, my son and I were invited to join a couple of Bruin tailgaters and were again made to feel very much at home.
We deeply appreciated the great hospitality and the genuineness of those connected to the university.
Thank you for making our visit such a positive experience.
Raymond Raedy
University of Notre Dame
Class of 1962