Last week I wrote a post about social networks. This post got me thinking about social network etiquette and the best ways to go about balancing your professional career with the fun that comes with social networking.
According to an article by Miriam Salpeter, which can be found here, about 89% of employers conduct online searches on potential employees. This means that if you are not careful with your social media, every word and picture you post is out there for your potential employer to see.
In order to help others avoid the pitfalls of using social networks, I have compiled a list of the social tips that will help you avoid making mistakes that have the potential to negatively interfere with a potential career.
1) If you have not done this already, you should make your profile private. By making your profile private, those who are not Facebook friends with you are unable to see your posts or photos. Although one would think that the privacy setting gives you more freedom to post as you like, remember that you still ought to continue using proper etiquette. Although you may view your Facebook friends as just that, friends, there is no telling which Facebook friends may become valuable components of your career network in the future. Here is a link on how to make your profile private.
2) Did you know that you can choose who amoung your friends gets to see your posts and pictures? Jayne, my fellow LACD intern showed me this nifty trick, and although it does require some work, it is very helpful for those who use Facebook for both career and social purposes. Your friends may want to hear that you are in a relationship with Susie, but I doubt those in your career network really care. Here is a link on how to do this. The answer is listed under the section “What are friend lists, and how do I create them?”.
3) Make sure you know your Facebook friends. Although your profile may be squeaky clean, the fact that you are friends with a guy who has a profile picture that features him smoking a bong may be a deterrent for an employer.
4) Before you post a public picture ask yourself whether you would feel comfortable showing these pictures to a well-respected adult or potential employer. I highly doubt you would walk into an interview and hand your potential employer pictures of you in your shortest shorts and lowest cut top, doing body shots at a bar. Why then would you publically post those pictures on the Internet for everyone to see?
5) Use the same logic from point four when you post an update. Would you write that same expletive riddled status update if you knew your professor or potential employer would read it? Probably not. If you feel the need to communicate something using expletives, you should probably just avoid the subject entirely.
5) Do not publically rant about a company, coworker, or employer. This is anything but professional and makes employers weary about hiring you.
6) Censor the information you post on your “About Me” section. Write relevant information that you would use to introduce yourself to others. Think of this page as a way of making a first impression. Would you go up to someone and tell him/her that your interests include getting drunk and smoking pot? Hopefully not!
For more tips on social network etiquette, make sure to read the article “Social Media Etiquette for College Students”, which can be found here.
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