thetruckerslog/Florilli Transportation LLC

Why Facebook
Online Perception

Like it or not, Facebook has changed the way we communicate in the 21^st century. Checking news feeds, watching your favorite videos and commenting on your favorite statuses and posts. Facebook has given us a chance to connect with others in ways never predicted. There are also unintended consequences associated with its growing presence such as depression and cyber bullying.

According to an article published by NPR, in 2014 trucking was one of the most common jobs in the United States.  Since trucking is commonly found across most 50 states. In terms of it being a competitive market is less likely. However it’s a flooded market lacking millennials replacing baby boomers and your Facebook’s appearance can play a role in the hiring process for younger drivers.  Research and an article published by LisaBaragar states in 2013 only 39% of employers where using social compared the increase of 52% in 2015. As younger drivers start reporting to CDL and trucking schools across the country, millennials make up the majority of social media users.  From a recruiting standpoint, researching a candidate’s profile can reduce hiring costs and gives employers another screening resource. For example an employer finds your Facebook and photos suggesting the profile’s owner uses drugs. It simply saves costs verses getting a driver to orientation and then popping hot on a drug test.

Whether you agree or disagree with technology, how it’s used and social media’s influence. It isn’t going away any time soon and how things used to be is the past.  Cleaning up your profile, changing privacy settings, and managing your online appearance can’t hurt while job hunting. Lastly before you decide to post those late-night  photos of you drinking or an emotion status, once it’s posted there will always be record of it. How do you want others to perceive you?

Connect with us on Facebook, look for our final posting, 'Online Job Applications’ of our 3 part section, ‘The Internet, Fact or Fiction', and as always we appreciate all of our viewers and drivers.