Originally Posted by
HwkrPlt
As with most americans, I have a facebook page. From time to time I'll post something that perhaps not everyone agrees with, or is in perhaps bad taste. I was told by someone that I should delete anything and everything that might "offend" someone because the airlines will look for you on social media, and "offensive" stuff might ruin your chances. I've never posted anything I really think is offensive, but there are some political posts, and perhaps some off color items shared (Like a Sam Kinison video of his stand up).
First, what exactly are they looking for? How deep of a dive do they actually take? Has anyone ever heard of someone not getting hired due to their social media shenanigans?
Next, does deleting ones facebook also delete everything I've ever posted on FB? Any other suggestions?
Tnx
Major airlines don't hire you for your superior "stick and rudder" skills. They presume you already have those. Instead, they hire a career employee based largely on that candidate's personality and demeanor. In other words, personality and character matter.
If what you post on social media is incompatible with the company's stated values, then you may not be a good fit for that company. In many ways, that online profile is "who you are."
On the other hand, if what you display about yourself in your interview is completely different than the persona post on social media, then you are a deceptive person, a liar, who is not giving the prospective employer a clear indication of who you really are.
If you want to avoid having a potential employer find out that you actually aren't a good fit with their corporate values, then, by all means, keep your social media posts as private as possible. (It still means that you'll have to behave like a chameleon, probably by lying, in your interview, but at least you didn't give them easy info.)
Likewise, if you want to have a career with an employer who is a good fit with your own values, then be honest about your values and only apply to employers who are a good fit. Ask yourself why you view the world in a way that is different from your prospective employer. Would you really want to work there? Do they really want you working there? Ask yourself why you would feel compelled to mask your worldview from an airline that doesn't value the same things that you do.
It's like creating an online dating profile that is completely antithetical to your real life, all just to date someone who is completely incompatible with you. Why?
FWIW, I doubt that airlines are actually checking social media posts, unless there is something about an applicant that indicates a possible "red flag."