Connections - October 2009 - 15

posting on a public site and the actions you engage in during your private life. Certainly potential hires should be a little discreet about what they post because you never know who will see it and how it will impact their hiring decisions.” Does this subjectivity apply after the hire is on-board? According to Smith, absolutely. “If an employee puts information on this type of Web site, and doesn’t limit the access, then the real question is, can the employer use what’s posted on site as a basis for discipline or ongoing employment?” said Smith. “This will vary based on the employment, the expectations and the policies the employer might have in place. To protect themselves, employers should know what their expectations are and they need to know the laws they’re obligated to follow regarding hiring and off-duty behavior.” Biggerstaff, a Twitter user himself, said he wouldn’t turn down a potential hire based upon their online photos or previous decisions they’ve made online. “People are constantly evolving,” said Biggerstaff. “The things you think are cool when you’re in your 20s aren’t necessarily the things you think are right when you’re in your 30s or even your 50s.” In fact, he goes one step further to state that just because someone does something that may be deemed objectionable online, doesn’t mean the person would be weeded out of the hiring process all together. He said he believes people with more life experience bring something new to the table. “I may be the exception to the rule, but growing up, I did some things that wouldn’t be right for me now that I’m older. Why would I rule out someone who’s in their 20s, just out of college and drinks on the weekends because of something they do on their own time?” said Biggerstaff. “If someone goes and has a really, really, really good time at a bar on a Saturday night, Take out the guesswork by advertising in Connections. The beauty of print. The power of the Web. The knowledge of knowing what works. Nxtbook Media is a partner of the Yates County Chamber of Commerce August 2009 | Connections | 15

Connections - October 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Connections - October 2009