Online Indescretions Could Prevent Future Employment

A few drinks, a few friends, and some pictures posted even you don't want to look at. Sound familiar? Now imagine if your current or potential employer ran across these photos. Their opinion is going to change quickly. So while you're searching for a new job, think about any information a future employer may be able to find on the web about you.

~Keep It Kid Friendly

This is a great rule of thumb when posting information online. If you wouldn't show a comment or photo to a child, then it's probably inappropriate to post for the entire world to see. There are other ways to share your opinion and photos that doesn't require posting them on the internet. Even as popular as the web has become, face to face and phone conversations are even more useful. In short, censor what you say, post, and show to the world.

~Respect

When a future employer does an internet search for your name, are they going to see a mature, respectful adult or a frat boy looking for the next big party? If the job comes down between the two types, who do you think the employer will choose? The web is great for keeping in touch with friends and family, but remember anyone can see you comments and photos, so be respectful of others. If you can't be respectful, you don't need to associate with the person or site at all.

~Privacy

By posting your life on the internet, you're automatically forfeiting your privacy. The more you post about yourself, the more the world knows. Does anyone outside your friends and family really need to know where you live, how work was, where you vacationed, or what your kids are up to? Future employers are going to see this information. You want to appear flawless. By putting your life on display for the world, an employer will see every possible reason not to hire you.

If you really want to post personal information on the web, look for blogs and communities that allow you to choose the people who view your information. Anyone outside of your chosen few will be unable to view anything you post.

~Think Before You Post

Before you post anything, think about your future. Is there any way a comment, post, or photo could prove detrimental to your future? Will that comment about your last employer prevent you from finding a new job? If you have to question it, don't put on the web. If you're questioning the material, so will your future employer.

If you want to stand a better chance at your next interview, keep your web presence clean. Your reputation on the web is almost as important as your off-line reputation. Don't let a bad rep online ruin your squeaky clean life off-line.