At Face(book) value: uses of Facebook in hiring processes and the role of identity in social networks

Abstract

This study conducted 19 semi-structured in-depth interviews with employers from over six industries who use job candidate Facebook information in hiring processes. The results generated seven key findings, with three contextual themes (economy and timing, weight of Facebook, and employee curiosity) preceding four dominant thematic employer preferences (importance of online personal appearance/portrayal, lifestyle image, wall posts likes and interests and privacy settings). A number of important employer assumptions derivative of the themes are also discussed in relation to social network user on and offline identities. In terms of theoretical contributions, our findings expand conceptions of employee branding, contest the freedom affiliated with virtual identity, and create a new form of digital divide.