So you've finally landed an interview with your dream company, well done! Just one problem; the person conducting the interview asks, "Would you mind giving me your Facebook password?" What the heck are you supposed to say?? This is a very personal question to ask, and it will almost surely catch you off-guard if you aren't prepared. If you give the wrong answer, you'll surely lose the job, your privacy or even your dignity. The good news is that if you answer this correctly, you’ll greatly increase your chances of landing the job.
This controversial question is used by employers for one of two purposes:
- To catch you off guard and see how you’ll react
- To actually view your Facebook profile and see how you represent yourself online.
The following are some “Do’s and Don’ts”, in case an employer asks you for your Facebook, Twitter or other social media passwords.
Recommended Responses:
Strategy: Defend your privacy
Please feel free to respond by saying, “I’m quite a private person with regards to my social networking activities, although I would like to invite you to view my profile as it appears publicly.” This is a great response and is highly recommended if you encounter this question during an interview. This will also likely be sufficient for the employer; if not refer to strategy 4 – Ask if it’s mandatory.
Strategy: Delay the response
You may tell the employer that you keep all of your passwords on a spreadsheet and that you do not have them memorized. Let the employer know you will e-mail them the password when you get home. This will allow you time to decide if this sort of privacy invasion is something you will tolerate from an employer; if it is then it ought to give you time to clean up your profile before sending the password to them.
Strategy: Divert to professional profile
“Thank you for taking an interest in my online presence; please feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile to view my professional contacts and recommendations.” They may be pleased by this answer, and if they are not, they may simply be looking for an excuse not to hire you.
Strategy: Ask if it’s mandatory
Some employers may be trying to fluster you and see how you will react. Ask the employer, “Is this a requirement for the interview to move forward?” Your demeanor may impress them, and the interview may continue without you having to give your password to them. If it is mandatory, you may ask yourself if you want to work for a company that places such little value on your privacy.
Bad Responses:
Advice: Don’t assume it’s illegal
It’s not a good idea to say, “You can’t ask me that, it’s illegal!” You may think that it’s an awkward and unfair question to be asked, but don’t assume it’s illegal, because in many jurisdictions it is in fact legal. You may feel that it’s intrusive and a breach of privacy, but it may not be illegal.
Advice: Don’t lie
Avoid saying “Uh, I don’t have a Facebook account,” if you have one. Lying during an interview will certainly result in your inability to get the job, or be let go shortly afterwards if the employer finds out you were lying. If you truly don’t have an account, let them know why, as it will help you avoid looking suspicious.
Advice: Don’t tell them you’re embarrassed by your profile
Avoid saying, “I’d rather you don’t see my profile because it’s embarrassing,” you’ve just told them what they needed to hear. Congratulations! You may now continue your job hunt.
Advice: Don’t give the employer a fake password
Under no circumstances should you ever just make up a password and give it to the interviewer/employer. If they decide to check it on the spot you’re in deep doo-doo. This will confirm the employer’s fears that you are untrustworthy by proving that you are hiding something from them.
Has an employer ever asked you for your Facebook password? What did you say? Leave a comment or send the response to info@academicinvest.com.
