About Human Resources: Honor the Social Media Privacy of Job Searchers

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Human Resources Human Resources Employ People Manage People Succeed at Work From Susan M. Heathfield, your Guide to Human Resources Vol. 13 No. 37 - ISSN: 1533-3698 March 27, 2012 Dear People: Exciting things are happening in workplaces this week. My new lead article highlights the current controversy about employers asking prospective employees for their private passwords to such social media sites as Facebook. I also talk about what an employer can do to nix political discussion during what already is a contentious election year that promises to escalate in noise as time goes by. Need thoughtful interview question answers to my recommended interview questions? I thought this mission would be easy. Ha! Was I ever wrong! Life just isn't that simple. So, the approach I adopted is to generally tell you what you want to find in your candidate's answers so you can assess his or her skill in each activity. The right answer for your organization won't be right for every organization. But here's a start... Do you know that I write a new blog post every day? Check out the blog in the center column on my home page. Comments, questions, suggestions? Email Me. Please forward this newsletter, in its entirety, to your colleagues, coworkers and friends, because you want to add value to their work and lives. Regards and wishing you and yours the best this week, Susan Honor the Social Media Privacy of Job Searchers What do you think about employers asking their prospective employees to share their private passwords to their personal social media accounts such as Facebook? I have told employers for several years that this is a bad practice since it potentially alienates your best candidates. It also breaches the line I draw that separates employee work and private lives. Find out more. Do You Snoop Online On Job Applicants? Manage Social Media Job References See More About:  social media  background checks  recruiting online Nix Political Discussion at Work What's your belief about political and other potentially inflammatory discussion in the work place? I've debated this question with colleagues and readers for years. While some feel that adults can maturely discuss issues and candidates without harming work relationships, others aren't so sure. 2012 is potentially the most divisive year in history because of the widening gap in U.S. political beliefs and support. You might as well set the expectations early in your workplace. Here's what I recommend. What do you think? Personal Courage and Conflict Resolution at Work Provide Feedback That Has an Impact See More About:  politics at work  conflict resolution  management effectiveness Help Develop Employee Strengths - Not Weaknesses A management philosophy, that flies in the face of conventional thinking, compels you to help employees develop their strengths by deliberate practice. This is a substitute for helping employees develop their weaknesses, a concept more traditional in management thinking. Read more... Conduct a Simple Training Needs Assessment Tips for Weekly Training - In-House See More About:  employee development  performance development planning  goal setting Sample Cover Letter for a Human Resources Manager Job Need a sample cover letter that you can use as a guide when you apply for jobs as a Human Resources manager? This sample cover letter follows best practices and highlights the special qualifications of the applicant. Read more... Why Resume Cover Letters Should Matter to Employers 5 Cover Letter Red Flags for Employers See More About:  cover letters  employee selection  candidate qualifications Human Resources Ads Human Resources Jobs Job Training Job Careers Job Center Work from Home Job Featured Articles You Can Inspire Great Employee Referrals Thoughts on Micromanagers Job Offer Withdrawn: Current Department Did Hiring Freeze Create a Work Environment to Encourage Employee Engagement Employee Layoff Practices Matter When HR Is Married to the Problem...   More from About.com Financial Emergencies An unexpected change in your financial situation can be incredibly stressful. Here's how to cope. More> Retirement Planning Learn the top five things you need to do in order to start building a retirement nest egg. More> This newsletter is written by: Susan M. Heathfield Human Resources Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Human Resources newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads Human Resources Basics, Careers, Jobs Free Human Resources Policies, Samples Human Resources: Job Interview Tips Human Resources Job Descriptions Top 10 Human Resources Tough Questions   Follow me on: Advertisement