Social Media and getting hired at a major
 

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

I’m not a FB expert, but I believe that you should check your privacy settings and “lock it down” as tight as it will go. Like only allowing “friends” to view your page. As with anything on the WWW, if you post it, you should expect it to be on there forever...

As previously said, make sure it’s as private as it can be. FB has come along way in that regard. Some people you can’t see anything except one profile picture and nothing else unless your friends with them.

As far as airlines looking. I don’t know this for certain and it’s just my opinion, but I think the whole creeping on FB is way more to do with the 9-5 Corp America jobs. Literally every pilot candidate has some stupid stuff on their FB from time to time.

I honestly don’t think airlines pay much attention to this. Now executive or management positions in the corporate world? I think so.

I have the privacy settings as high as possible, but supposedly stuff can still be seen by people that know where or how to look.

I'm probably over thinking it, but I don't want anything to ruin my chances.

Lots of people like to like an airline's FB page. It appears many don't fully understand that those recruiters can see your profile once you do that.

I know of several cases where airlines chose not to hire folks after diving into their social media profiles.

Good place to start...

Avoid inflamitory posts on public groups... especially any aviation related (the airline recruiters are tuned into those).

Don’t wank about airlines on your own page.

Avoid racially and politically charged posts as well as posts that could be interpreted as disperaging to women and the LGBTQ+ communities... especially when applying to companies with known affinities towards specific communities (there’s a list of NGPA, OBAP and WAI Airline attendees published yearly).

I treat my Facebook page like LinkedIn. I have a friend who would post very biased political posts on his Facebook and used his real name. He’s at Delta now so it didn’t stop him.

Change the name on your Facebook profile so it’s not easily linkable to you.

I don’t have Facebook or any social media. Wonder if they’ll find this strange when they can’t find anything on me.

I am not quite sure that this is entirely correct. I am not a FB expert by any means but I do believe that no one can view your posts if it is set to friends only or custom. If you choose not to set it to friends or private, then quite literally everyone who wants will have access to your private sentiments, information, likes and so so comment of the day. Point in case, lock down your profiles, people or risk inadvertently tanking your odds at getting your dream job.