by Keith Staines

Created on: January 06, 2009

It might be kind of sketchy, it might totally screw someone who innocently posted something on one of these social networking sites, and it might be a bit controversial. But as much as I hate to say it, I don't see any reason why an employer can't use the resources available to them when trying to make important decisions.

That being said, I think the answer varies slightly depending on whether or not you are talking about hiring or firing someone.

If you are hiring someone, it is prudent to gather all available evidence that could possibly help you make the best decision possible. You are often trying to decide between a number of people, and you want to be sure that you are picking the best available. You can find out some relevant things by visiting people's social networking sites.

If someone has a hundred pictures on their page of them getting drunk every night, then yes, that is something that might make you pause when considering hiring them. You may scream that what you do on your free time has nothing to do with your job, but they can sometimes bleed into each other. If you're out drinking every night, there is a good chance you are going to be working hungover, or maybe you'll call in sick to work. Of course this isn't how everyone would behave, but a company is always interested in protecting itself.

Maybe you really don't think about what you post on your page, and you talk about doing illegal drugs. This is going to be a huge red flag to anyone who is thinking of employing you. I really don't think there's any way to argue against this one.

Another way to hurt your chances of getting hired is simply the personality you portray on these networking sites. If you post a lot of angry, antagonistic or just plain mean comments or posts, then an employer is going to pause and wonder if this is the attitude they want to have in an employee. Yes, you may be joking around. Maybe you're unleashing pent up frustration. Or maybe you are just a rude, combative jerk. How are they supposed to know? Intent does not come across well on the internet.

Almost every time someone is hired for a job, it was a subjective decision. Unless you have previous experience with someone, you have a very limited amount of data to make your decision on.

People will use references, but what's to say that the reference tells the truth about you and your skills? They might be your best friend who will say anything to help you get a job. Again, they have to rely on the information they are

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