Social Networking and Your Job

Recently I shared with you tips for getting your resume out there for the purposes of obtaining interviews for jobs. If you are a qualified candidate with an impeccable resume and stellar references, why didn't you get your interview? Chances are you may have botched a perfectly good opportunity because of your internet activities. Do not let MySpace, Facebook, or Twitter keep you from securing the job of your dreams. If you think that employers will not search for you on social networking sites, or even Google you, then you are in denial about prevalence of digital information in today's society. Potential bosses have a world of information about you at their fingertips, so it is up to you present the best possible image online.

Ideally, you should not post anything on a social networking site that you wouldn't want the world to see. Of course in reality it doesn't always work that way. At the very least you need to immediately make all of your accounts private. Whether or not you are actively searching for a job, this is a good policy to have. Your information should not be visible to the masses. After you have done this, have a friend double check to make sure that your profile[s] are indeed private because sometimes it is not visible on your screen.

Once you have adjusted your privacy settings make sure that all of your status messages and default pictures are appropriate. Do you really want your future boss to see a picture of a scantily clad you holding a drink and grinding with a girlfriend on the bar? Negative. He also doesn't need to see that Facebook status where you mention the sexy guy you met last night or your massive hangover today. Your default photo can be silly, fun, and creative-- just keep it tasteful. A closeup photo works the best, but if you show your body make sure your wardrobe isn't too revealing.

Although your private profile is indeed your private area to speak freely and post the pictures you choose, I suggest that you do some cleanup just to err on the side of caution. Delete any incriminating photos. You don't have to part with them permanently, just keep them in a folder on your desktop or [private] album on Photobucket. If you are absolutely intent on keeping risque photos then you should put them in their own album with a heading like 'My College Days' and keep the rest of your pictures clean. This shows that although you've had your fun at a party, the wild lifestyle is not your life, and is/was only one small part of your existence.

When it comes to your blogs, bulletins, or profile information about you....remember that those are visible to everyone on your friends list. And not everyone on that list is truly your friend, at least that is usually the case. People will turn on you in an instant and use things you said against you. Quotes can be taken out of context or somebody who doesn't really know you might misconstrue something in a malicious way. Make sure you personally know-- and trust-- the people whom you share your information with online. Don't ever be afraid to delete somebody. If they ask why they were removed you can tell them that you decided to scale down your profile to family and best friends only and nonchalantly say that you think these social networking sites have gotten of control and you're trying to cut back. That is, of course, if you even want to give them an explanation. You certainly don't have to.

As a general rule of thumb, don't reference illegal activities or excessive partying. Even if you are one of the most responsible, hard working, and ambitious people out there, if your profile has pictures of assorted liquor bottles, pot leaves, and a glittery Playboy bunny, this doesn't scream 'professional.' The graphics on your page and your 'About Me' also speak volumes about you.

Try and refrain from trash talking other individuals. It makes you look catty and accomplishes nothing. In fact, the less you complain, the better. The internet gives people a false sense of bravado and oftentimes causes them to say things that would never come out of their mouths in the 'real world.' So if you wouldn't say it in a face to face interaction, bite your tongue.

Finally, don't ever post a video on YouTube that you wouldn't sit down and watch with your family or coworkers. Just stay away from the video footage footage that doesn't enhance your reputation!

Please don't think I am telling you that you need to do a complete 180 with your personality. You can still be your sassy and spunky self-- sharing your beliefs and opinions-- just be cautious. Any status message or default photo should not be unflattering or scandalous because absolutely anyone can see it. On your private page, that is your space, and you have the right to speak freely and express yourself. Use precautions and cover all your bases so that something as seemingly innocuous as your MySpace doesn't taint your image. Keep it classy and professional.