These days instead of swapping phone numbers, you swop BB pins or Facebook profiles to stay in touch. It seems that everybody is at least involved with one Social Network whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any other. But as much as we are all taking advantageous of this digital world where we can be connected and socialise with friends it also has some pitfalls. One area is when it comes to your career and looking for a new job. A risqué picture or an inappropriate comment can make the difference between you and someone else being chosen for a job interview, so it’s crucial to maintain your online reputation carefully just as you would do with your reputation in the real world.
So what should you keep in mind about Social Media to ensure when you are on the job hunt your reputation online does not hurt you in landing that next big job?
DON’T spam. Ever – Self-explanatory, no?
Think twice before you say anything online
People seem to often forget that the online spaces in many cases are open to the world. Therefore you have to think carefully what you put online. People have been found out to make false statements about competitors and other colleagues, or even their boss. Fact of the matter is whatever you say online will have consequences. So think twice before you post anything online that can come back to haunt you.
Keep private things private
When I speak to colleagues about the way they use Facebook they are often quick to point out that although it’s in the public domain their wall posts and comments are private as they have adjusted their privacy settings. However what they often forget is the viral aspect of the internet. You might be thinking that you are having a private conversation with a friend but they might find something you say funny and post your comment on their Twitter profile, their friends then in turn passes it on and before you know it a private comments becomes public.
Photos
We all like to let our hair down now and again and have a good time with friends but take care the kind of photos that gets published on your own and your friend’s social profiles. Everybody that was there knew you had a good time there is no need to put photos online showing you drinking or partying up a storm to prove this. Also, keep in mind that friends can tag you in their own pictures, always keep track of what pictures you’re tagged in. It is said that more often than not potential employers will Google applicants before they interview them and that is not the impression you want an employer to have of you.
It is important to realise that with every interaction you are leaving your digital footprint for others to follow. You need to think about the consequences of your engagement on social sites and how you conduct yourself online. The internet has a very long memory and everything you do and say will over time become a permanent reflection of who you are. Therefore be smart in the way you conduct yourself online whether you are in the job market or not!
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