Online social networks and your job

If this is the first time you are hearing about MySpace, Facebook, or YouTube, chances are you do not have access to a computer and the Internet or you do not belong to or associate with “GenerationY” or “Generation X”-kids and groups of twenty-somethings who live and breathe technology.{{more}}

www.MySpace.com, www.Facebook.com, and www.YouTube.com (mentioned because they are the most popular such places on the Internet) began as “social networking” Web sites, online places where people could meet, post pictures and videos of themselves and friends, and stay in touch or exchange information.

In the beginning, these sites were generally perceived as fun, convenient ways to communicate with large numbers of people. Members generally made their own pages on these networks public so that anyone could view them (though they could be tagged as private so that only invited or approved “friends” could view them). The material was often interesting and informative. But these days, the postings can get downright distasteful or even graphic, with every morsel of personal detail about someone and photos or videos about their latest escapades.

Now, you might think these sites have nothing to do with your employment, but think again. Employers are getting savvy to these sites and before hiring decisions are made, many companies are doing online searches to learn more about the candidates they are considering as future employees. These networking sites often come up in such searches.

Imagine . . . a potential employer has your resume and likes what he or she sees . . . in your interview, you come across as a straight-laced, apparently honest, seemingly responsible, appropriately educated, and desirable person. But then, later, the race is close . . . the interviewer decides to search your name on the Internet and visit the sites that come up . . . and, there you are: pictures from that last wild pool party, rants against your previous employer, political and/or social opinions, conversations that cast you in a controversial or questionable light-information that reveals a different side of your character and introduces a question about your professionalism.

To avoid any embarrassing or costly mistakes, consider the following list of Social Networking Rules:

1. Keep the page clean. Check it often because, remember, you are not the only person posting comments and pictures-your “friends” and visitors can post information, also; and that information reflects on you, even though it does not necessarily portray you or your views-you’re guilty by association!

2. Keep photos clean. Stay away from seductive poses and even partial nudes (or complete nudes, if that needs to be said) of yourself or your friends. Avoid party scenes that might portray you as a party animal or an alcohol-guzzling lush. None of these types of shots screams “Hire me!”

3. Keep your comments and ramblings clean. Watch for unintentional, inadvertent profanity, racist or sexist language, or any disparaging remarks that might turn off a potential employer.

4. If you absolutely cannot be bothered with these suggestions, make your page private so that only people to whom you give access can see what’s on it (and so that search engines cannot index and list it).

• Karen Hinds President/CEO – Workplace Success Group,
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775; Tel: 1-203-757-4103
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com
www.WorkplaceSuccess.com
Creator of The Workplace Success Program (TM)