Social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and
Twitter, can be valuable tools to finding employment. These
sites provide an additional opportunity for networking with
experienced workers in your field or with company representatives
where you would like to work. In addition, some companies are
using social networking sites to search for talent and to post job
openings. By utilizing these sites, you can get a foot in the
door before an interview and learn valuable personal information
that may help you to connect with a future boss in an
interview.
Of course, this same openness that allows you to connect with
friends, family and colleagues can hinder your job search as
well. For example, employers can now evaluate you before you
even apply, just with a quick Google search.
To avoid an embarrassing Internet career blunder, follow these
social networking job seeker tips:
- Provide a glimpse into your personal life, but keep it
clean. This includes your personal information, posts, blogs
and pictures. Do not include provocative photos, information
on alcohol or drug abuse, racist or sexist remarks or false
qualifications.
- If your current employer is unaware of your job search, do not
mention your search on a social networking site. Use caution
when accepting or making multiple friend requests from a potential
employer. A sudden increase in the number of your contacts
from a particular company may alert your employer that you are
searching for a new position.
- Never badmouth a previous or current employer or include a
company’s confidential information. A future employer may
assume that you will do the same with a new company.
- Post friendly messages to your contacts that allow them to get
to know you on a personal level.
- Be selective when joining groups. Although joining the
“I’m Just Getting Drunk” group may seem funny to your friends, it
may turn-off to an employer.
- If you write on a company’s blog, do not write a negative
comment if the company does not respond. This could hurt you
later.
- Update your profile regularly, even if you’re not looking for a
job. Recruiters may search for you.
- Check the Web site’s options for personal security. Many
have options that allow you to block your full profile to outsiders
or even block a part of your profile for those in your
network.
- Remember that others can see your friends, and some employers
may ask these contacts for references.
- Always write professionally when writing a company on a social
networking site. Skip abbreviations and slang. Treat this
business communication just like you were having an in-person
conversation.
Social networking sites provide a fun and easy opportunity to
grow your contacts. Just remember to keep your profile and
posts in line with what hiring managers are looking for. Make
sure your background information supports your qualifications, that
you communicate clearly and professionally and that your interests
are varied. Never forget that everything you post can be read
by someone.
