Questions about interview with social media company but I deleted my account with them some time go

[CadburyChoc]

I currently work as a customer service agent but I'm also job hunting right now. I've been invited for an interview with a social media company but as the thread title says I no longer have an account with them. I deleted it over 2 years ago for various reasons and haven't missed it tbh.

I like the job description which after finally completing my degree this year I'm qualified for and believe I'm suitable for, plus it would be a more senior position with more money! My questions are will I be asked if I have an account with them and then have to justify why I haven't? If I'm offered the job would I be expected to sign up again and would it look like I'm not a team play if I didn't want to? Would it even be considered hypocritical of me to accept a job at a social media company when I don't actually have a personal account?

Are people viewed as unusual these days if they don't have social media accounts or as if they have something to hide (I don't!). I just like my privacy and do enjoy my life but not for all to see! Each to their own is my opinion on it all but I do get asked regularly in real life why I'm 'not present' online and told I'm missing out on all the fun!

Any thoughts or advice on this would be most appreciated as after reading over this post I'm considering cancelling the interview.

TIA

People who work for social media companies will completely understand why people choose to stay off it

i wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. Just be up to date with the necessary features and talk about how you have used it if appropriate

Quite honestly, I wouldn't give you the job in this situation. It would probably show up in the interview anyway. You won't know as much about the platform, what works and what doesn't. You won't be able to show enthusiasm for the product if you fundamentally disagree with it! If your job is to be a customer service agent, how can you discuss issues with customers if you don't use it yourself and be able to talk your way through different screens/pages/whatever.

Can you re-activate your account, or is it completely 'dead'?

I agree with @KrisAkabusi - if I was interviewing you for a position in my industry and you knew little about it and didn't want to use it, I'd be very concerned!

I'd certainly make sure, in the time you have now before you interview, to sign up for different social media sites so you could, at the very least, talk about how things have changed since you were last using it, and how you feel about those changes.

It's good to get opinions on this so thank you. The job isn't in customer services so it won't involve me liaising with customers or dealing with queries. It's more in the background on the software development side / programming.

Just say you’re currently having a bit of a break from social media but you had an account and really enjoyed it for (food/travel/fashion whatever you’re into). And mention one of the new features you like.

Digital detoxes are trendy and if you don’t mention the timeline they won’t be concerned about you not being on the pulse. Do your research ie if it’s Instagram check out new features such as Reels. Honestly I would create an anonymous account again just for research purposes to familiarise with the platform and you can always delete it again after the interview.

I think they'd favour someone who used it and had operating experience. I don't think you'd need to be a prolific user tho. Sign up for it, understand the features and 'benefits' and go armed with that.

You say you 'haven't missed it' - which is fine, but you'll need to paint a more positive picture in the interview. You've taken a digital break/doesn't currently fit your demographic (if you're young Facebook could apply, if you're older Snapchat, that kind of thing - make sure you say 'currently', as the business goal could be to appeal to a wider group), but still understand why so many people would be interested it in, understand the apps (positive) purpose etc.

Don't cancel the interview! Go for it!

@Peaceandquietandacuppa yes that's a good idea, I will do that. Thank you