City of Bozeman, MT Wants Inside Your Internet Community

The city of Bozeman, Montana recently modified their job applicant forms to read:

“Please list any and all, current personal or business websites, web pages or memberships on any Internet-based chat rooms, social clubs or forums, to include, but not limited to: Facebook, Google, Yahoo, YouTube.com, MySpace, etc.,” There are then three lines where applicants can list the Web sites, user names and password information and their passwords,” according to KBZK television station.

Needless to say, the online world is criticizing this new requirement labeling it an invasion of privacy. Go figure! Let’s be realistic from the employer side of things, they want to cover their butts and make sure they have employees that will ethically represent their company. We all know it is easier to hire someone than fire someone. Every employer wants to believe they hire an individual that possesses integrity, honesty, responsibility, strong work ethic, practices ethical decisions and so on. But really, asking a job applicant to provide their user name and password to their online communities? That is a no-no. Do a google search. Do some digging yourself. We’ve all done it on ourselves and if you haven’t you need to. While we’re on the subject, THINK before you pose for a photo and then post photos of yourself and your friends on the web. The world is flat and transparent, therefore the lash back will come quickly and land on your bosses desk.