This is a tricky question, and it is of course best considered on an individual, case-by-case basis. But generally, those that I know who are on Facebook are a little squirmy about allowing even some of their coworkers access to their Facebook pages, let alone management.
On the one hand, this is understandable. There’s work, and then there’s play. There’s your 9-5 business life, and then there’s your life outside of the office. The two certainly don’t have to mix.
But the problem is that often, they do. Our coworkers frequently also become our friends. We spend so much time with them at work, that it is natural for deeper relationships to develop. The trouble is that the line begins to blur, particularly when it comes to our online, social-media personas.
There are many social networking sites that are clearly first and foremost for connecting professionally, such as Linked In and BrazenCareerist. But Facebook, as far and away the most popular social networking website, is often the site that the most people have in common. If you’re going to connect anywhere with your coworkers and possibly your boss, it will likely be through Facebook.
At this point, this is not as much of an issue for those who are job searching, because after the whole Facebook privacy brouhaha, most people are aware that it is wise to keep your personal information on Facebook private. But when you allow someone into your network, they generally have access to much more personal information about you. Is this information something that you feel comfortable with your supervisor seeing?
There is no easy answer here, but I think it’s a topic that deserves further discussion. How have you navigated through this situation?
–Molly
Tags: Brazen Careerist, coworker friends on Facebook, Facebook, Facebook friends with your boss, Facebook Privacy, Linked In, Office Facebook friends
July 1, 2010 at 9:47 am |
Good post. Good things to think about.
Being a recruiter I’ve seen first hand the damage that can be done by allowing everyone to view your Facebook Profile. I recommend if you are in a job search you keep your profile private AND you assume everyone can see it. Therefore, when you’re posting to your profile think twice before you post anything that could be damaging to your professional reputation.
Just because your potential new employer is not your Facebook Friend does not mean they will not have an opportunity to see your Facebook Profile. You’re better off to assume that they will see it.