Social Networking or Career Suicide
How To Network Socially Without Impacting Your Career
Sep 14, 2009
Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and many other social networking sites have become all the rage in the 21st century, as page owners enjoy expressing individuality, however recently social networking has also been downfall of many employees. In difficult economic times there are many people who are out interviewing, making this an employers market and employers are using social networking sites to help wade through the plethora of interviewees.
Improper Use
Many people see websites such as Facebook and MySpace as an area on the web to, share party/family photos, vent feelings and frustrations as well as share some of the most personal tidbits of information. Users have been known to post inappropriate pictures, discuss topics such as; how much they dislike their current place of employment, boss or co-workers and even use them as a site for online dating. As America is a free country, people have the right to freedom of the press and expression, but many do not realize that what is said or done on social networking sites can be the reason companies will fire employees, or are not hire others for jobs.
Companies have also been able to get a more indepth understanding of potential employees by using these social networking websites, and at times have used these websites to see if a potential employee is representative of their companies culture. If companies finds the interviewees online behavior inappropriate such as; post inappropriate pictures, comments or stories they may not hire that potential employee.
Appropriate Use of Social Newtorks
When using social networking websites it is important to stay vigilant not only to what is being personally posted, but what others may post on a page. If a page user wants to use this as a forum to vent or share feelings they can do a few things:
- Use a pen name; if the pen name is not in any way related to the page users real name it will be difficult if not impossible for employers to seek out potential and current employees personal social networking sites.
- Block personal pages so that only people who are known to the user can see the content of the page.
- Do not post content that may remotely be deemed inappropriate and be sure to censor friends.
As the last suggestion may be the most difficult to enforce it is best to simply use a different name or block personal pages.
Professional Internet Profile Options
For users who want to share a more professional internet profile, there are sites such as LinkedIn that allow users to find friends as well as connect with potential employers. When potential employers google and search sites of this nature, employers will see a well polished and professional individual that can positively represent a company.
As it is important to put a good foot forward internet users should be careful about the things that are placed on the internet. Everything that is said can and will be used to determine a potential em
Netting for Success
Being aware of what is put on the internet and being vigilant about who sees it is vital to job seekers in this competitive marketplace. If a professional image is presented, job seekers are more likely to obtain the jobs for which are applied. Employers will be happy to see that they have hired a responsible individual.
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