Facebook-- name change for interviews?

ForeverandEver · Sep 13, 2011

I've noticed a lot of people are changing their Facebook names for residency interviews. Is there really a need for that? Why not just increase the privacy settings? I personally don't feel like I've ever posted anything questionable, plus my privacy settings are really high, so I feel that is sufficient for me. Thoughts?

EddieIndy · Sep 13, 2011

I did the same - maximum privacy settings.

NJDIF · Sep 13, 2011

Personally, I think the whole name change thing is a bit much. I jacked up my privacy settings to pretty much off the grid proportions for the next few months.

BornToCut · Sep 14, 2011

I did not change my facebook page/name. My theory is that I am who I am, and if a program doesn't like then it is their loss. I have been receiving interview offers, so it doesn't seem to have deterred them yet (or mayble they haven't/won't look at it).

Narrative · Sep 14, 2011

Wow. That seems completely insane. The programs do actually want to fill their slots, and (as far as I know) the match isn't a front for Interpol.

🙂

LoveSparkle · Sep 14, 2011

The name change thing seems a bit silly to me, I never understood why people do it, unless they have a completely accessible profile. Even with basic privacy settings, your profile is mostly protected.

HumbleMD · Sep 14, 2011

I changed my privacy settings so the only thing anyone can see is my pic, interests, and "info." No wall or photos. I have some pretty inappropriate friends and didn't want to chance it.

I also really didn't want programs seeing photos of my last halloween costume.

All in all, it's probably overkill. But what's the drawback? Fewer chances to make snippy comments about a youtube video?

peppy · Sep 15, 2011

I can confirm for you guys that at least some programs do indeed use Google and Facebook to check up on applicants. I have sat in on a meeting where the PD talked about doing that sort of stuff to learn more about applicants they were interviewing.

So, yes, it definitely pays to think about how your facebook might make you look to possible employers...be careful about what you post on there and also pay attention to stuff like if friends are tagging you in photos. Personally I would keep it locked down as a better safe than sorry move.

Doctor Bagel · Sep 16, 2011

If you use the privacy settings appropriately, there's no need to change your name. The only thing you can see on my facebook profile if you're not a facebook friend is my picture and my name. So, privacy settings + neutral picture = totally fine.

Facebook-- name change for interviews?

ForeverandEver

Full Member

EddieIndy

Cardiology Fellow

NJDIF

Full Member

BornToCut

Full Member

Narrative

Full Member

LoveSparkle

Full Member

HumbleMD

hmmmm...

peppy

Senior Member

Doctor Bagel

so cheap and juicy

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