Applicants' Facebook profiles may be viewed

“If an inappropriate or offensive online post came to the attention of the admission office, we would examine it,” Dean of Admission Janet Rapelye said in an e-mail. “As a regular part of the admissions process, we will consider any information that might cause us to doubt a student’s character, whether it is something posted online or another issue that comes to our attention.”

She added, though, that time constraints prevent admission officers from checking each applicant’s Facebook or Myspace profiles.

Max Lyons ’13 said he is not worried about Facebook’s effect on his future.

“I don’t put anything on Facebook that would deter me from furthering my life and career,” he said.

Alumni interviewers, as representatives of the admission office, are also asked to focus on face-to-face interactions with prospective students rather than their online personas.

“They do not generally view applicants’ online information,” Rapelye explained. “Their reports to our admission office are to be based on the in-person interviews they have with candidates.”

The admission office guides alumni interviewers through the interviewing process, asking them to “devote their full energy and attention to being receptive to how candidates present themselves in their in-person interviews,” Rapelye said.

“That said, we encourage students to think carefully about the material and information they post on the Internet,” she added.

Once students matriculate, Facebook and other social networking tools can also play a role in job and internship searches.

“Students should be aware that their Facebook profile may be accessible to others, and it is possible that inappropriate content posted there could jeopardize their chances of a job offer,” Beverly Hamilton-Chandler, director of Career Services, said in an e-mail.

“It is possible for employers to Google a candidate’s name as part of the candidate-selection process or background check and review information available on the Internet as a way to determine whether the candidate would be a good fit for their organization,” she added.

Hamilton-Chandler said that many employers are on sites like Facebook or LinkedIn for publicity and to connect with potential employees.

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“In short, employers are on Facebook, and students should be very aware of this,” she said.

Hamilton-Chandler said she advises students who use Facebook, MySpace or similar social networking websites to “set the privacy settings on their profile so that any personal information or photos they do not wish to share with potential employers are not readily available for public viewing.”

She also suggested that students search their own name online to see what information is available to employers — or anyone else.

Emma Lawless ’13 said she adheres to Hamilton-Chandler’s recommendations.

“Everything on my Facebook is private, so that no one can see what I’ve posted on my wall,” she explained.

Sites such as LinkedIn are increasing in popularity for their use in professional — rather than personal — social networking.

“LinkedIn is becoming more popular with students, especially seniors,” Hamilton-Chandler said. “This site differs greatly from Facebook in that its main purpose is professional networking, not personal.”

LinkedIn operates similarly to an online resume and allows students to connect with professionals, though “students should be aware that connecting with professionals on LinkedIn is not the same as sending a ‘friend request’ on Facebook,” Hamilton-Chandler added.

If students are concerned about the image they are portraying online, Hamilton-Chandler noted that Career Services is “always happy to help guide students as to how they can present the best possible image to employers.”