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Potential employer sent me friend request on Facebook

7 replies

lobeliasb · 22/02/2023 12:12

I also posted this on AIBU, but thought this would perhaps get more informed replies.

I recently applied for a role at small/medium sized company that has a couple offices in the UK. This is a professional, office-based role and the company doesn't do anything requiring special discretion or clearance/background checking. They emailed me asking me to call them to set up an interview (why can't they call me...?), and at the same time a company Facebook profile (not a business page, it's set up like a personal profile) sent me a friend request on Facebook. My Facebook page is pretty locked down and I rarely post on it and have nothing to hide, but I simply don't see why I should give this company/HR person/manager or whoever it is access to my personal profile.

I haven't even had a conversation with them yet! Isn't this kind of unusual and nosey of them? I don't think I'll be proceeding with the interview, as if they are being invasive already I imagine they are overbearing in other ways. In all my years working I've never encountered this before. I don't even like to add colleagues on social media! I feel like this is a red flag about the company.

OP posts:
blippyissilly · 22/02/2023 12:38

Ignore the request

gamerchick · 22/02/2023 12:39

Just leave it hanging. If they ask, you can say you don't really go on Facebook much.

Maxaluna · 22/02/2023 12:41

You've probably saved yourself from an unsuitable situation.

FindingMeno · 22/02/2023 12:43

I'd ignore it and be quite happy to say my private life is my private life if I was asked.

Aquamarine1029 · 22/02/2023 12:49

Ignore the request and think long and hard if you would want to work for them.

2bazookas · 22/02/2023 13:03

They are researching your social media activity. Common practice by employers today, see other thread.

SoonBeTeaTime · 22/02/2023 13:03

Given they are trying to snoop I'd withdraw my application anyway. If you need security clearance this should be done via official processes, snooping on Facebook profiles opens them up for discriminating against you based on characteristics which aren't relevant to your role. Whether your application is successful should be based on your qualifications, experience, working history and performance during the interview, nothing else.

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