Would you give Facebook details for job in UAE?

Asking for references and doing background checks of an applicant was the norm before handing over the offer letter.

But now, there have been cases, where the companies have asked applicants to furnish their Facebook password and username.

A story in the media reported cases of job applicants who were asked to reveal their Facebook details on the pretext of a background check.

Even though no such cases have been reported in the UAE, there are some candidates who are willing to give away their Facebook details, just to secure a job.

An Emirates 24|7 poll reveals that a small percentage of UAE residents are willing to land a job at any cost.

“I’m not a FB person anyways and there’s nothing much I do on the social networking site except wish birthdays.

“For me, getting a job is far more important,” said one respondent, who didn’t believe that such a move could harm him in anyway.

However, a majority (93 per cent) said they will never do this to get a job.

"I have heard of cases in America where they have asked to access Facebook accounts as part of the interview process.

“I am aware that companies prevent access to Facebook during office hours but I have not heard of an employer requesting access to social networking sites like Facebook for existing employees,” Mark Timms, Director, Gulf Recruitment Group told Emirates 24|7.

“In principal, this doesn’t appear to be ethical and typically common sense should prevail.

“But in this era many employers will feel that their employees have a responsibility to not mix their professional and personal lives and risk damaging the name of their employer,” he added.

Agrees Sanad Karkar, a recruitment consultant at Huxley Associates.

“Asking a candidate for their Facebook username and password is in violation of every aspect of personal privacy.

“Asking someone for that information is like asking someone to give you his home keys. There must be a clear boarder between business and social life.

“As much as companies do not require you to bring your social and personal life into the office, they should be required under the common principle of reciprocity to not get involved in your private personal life.

“Sharing a person’s username and password is actually in violation to the Facebook user terms and conditions.

“So much so, that recent articles have indicated that Facebook is welling to sue these companies who require their potential candidates to share their login information,” said the Huxley expert.

“I have never heard of this. Personally, I think it is highly unethical to ask for someone’s password to anything.

“I would not work for any company which would ask for this. I cannot imagine any Tier 1 employer acting in such a manner,” added Shane Phillips, Mena Regional Practice Leader, Financial & Professional Services at Stanton Chase.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.