Facebook users beware! Most of your pictures could probably be deemed as “inappropriate” by your employers or potential employers. Employers have began to use Facebook as a screening tool when hiring. And you could potentially miss out on a great job just because of your Facebook profile.

Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way this year. I figured that NOT having my pictures and status updates PUBLIC would keep me safe from any profile snooping by employers. But in my case, they used a friend of mines profile (who is a current employee) to gain access to pictures and posts that were not posted publicly. Was the stuff I had posted on my profile really…”THAT BAD”?… Absolutely not. But, that didn’t stop the company I wanted to work for from turning me down for an interview.

The main thing that people need to understand in order to avoid this situation is what employers deem as “inappropriate”.  I decided to ask the employer who turned me down some of the things that have caused him not to hire people and he was generous enough to give me a rundown of reasons. So, from those reasons, i’ve compiled a list of things that I know that employers will look for when snooping your profile.

1. Status Updates with Profanity in them.
2. Status Updates that exhibit a negative attitude.
3. Status Updates with overtly sexual tones to them.
4. Status Updates that reference marijuana with the number “420″.
5. Status Updates or pictures containing racism or sexism.
6. Links to “inappropriate” websites (like WorldStarHipHop.com).
7. Bad Grammer / Ebonics in Status Updates.
8. BadMouthing current or former co-workers and employers.
9. Gossip.
10. Ridiculous Facebook nicknames like:  Jonathan “ImAstr8UpGoon” Alberton  or  Kim “BradPittsBabyMama” Allison.
11. Pictures of yourself that are “Too Sexy”.
12. Pictures of Alcohol.
13. Pictures of YOU drinking Alcohol.
14. Pictures with Profanity in them (think Meme’s).
15. Pictures of you making rude gestures (like sticking your middle fingers in the air).
16. Pictures of you with too many women or men.
17. Joining pointless or silly Facebook groups.
18. Liking pages that are inappropriate (like Big Booty Judy’s Fan Page).

As you can see from this list, you basically cannot have a life or a personality on Facebook if you want to get an interview. You might as well just leave your Facebook profile blank. The days of social media privacy are long-gone. Anything that you post on Facebook is public and you will be judged upon it. I would advise anybody who is seeking employment to treat their Facebook profile as a resume. Only post pictures and status updates that portray you in a positive light.

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Written by bignotch

My name is Joshua Howard. I’m a Web Developer, a Musician, and a Blogger from New Orleans. I enjoy sunset, long walks on the beach, and tons of nerdy stuff. I hope you find this article useful.

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