Facebook photos can be risky for job seekers

In one picture, you’re downing a beer. In another, you’re dressed for Halloween as a naughty nurse.

You and your friends might think your Facebook profile picture is funny, but what would your mother say? Or worse, what would your next boss say?

The age group of 25 to 45 years is now the fastest growing market on Facebook, and more parents and businesses are joining, said telecommunication, information studies and media assistant professor Cliff Lampe.

Many MSU students expressed discomfort at the idea of parents friending them on Facebook.

“My brother won’t allow my parents (on Facebook),” international relations junior Nichole McLaughlin said.

But parents aren’t the only adults joining the social network. Employers are increasingly using the Internet and networks such as LinkedIn.com to connect potential employees. At the same time, they could be on Facebook.

“Most employers will be outside your network,” Lampe said. “The bigger problem becomes MSU alums and other MSU students who have access. What they can see is your profile picture.”

Employers often search the names of job candidates on Google, resulting in a link to the candidate’s Facebook profile picture and friend list, Lampe said.

And a job applicant whose picture shows inappropriate or illegal behavior jeopardizes their chance of being hired, said Phil Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute.

“Spring break pictures, Friday and Saturday night pictures, things that may be fun for laughs just aren’t professional,” he said.

Employers likely “have some understanding” that Facebook is a social tool and a place for personal information, Lampe said.

“A photo of you in a sexual position or doing something illegal, that’s a different story,” he said.

Job applicants can prevent employers from seeing their profile by changing privacy settings, Lampe said. Or they can remove incriminating photos.

“Facebook is fun,” student employment coordinator Paul Jaques said. “Keep it fun, but clean it up.”