Advice: Social Networking, Keeping It Professional

Ah, Social Networking. Its the new thing. Job hungry and their potential employers are taking it on, full force.

It's quite simple really; attend networking events, physically meet with employers, connect to employer-job seeker sites, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Doing it professionally however, is a different story.

Networking events are effective, but they can drain you out. When doing so, be sure to introduce yourself to potential employers or others that could recommend you. Avoid the overwhelming though of “Who should I call today?” Devote a set time and number of potential employers to contact, to ease the nerves. Also, understand that patience is what will get you through it all. Of coarse you are anxious, and the assumption that no one is calling back ‘because someone else was hired’ is consistent, but remember that employers are just as frantic. You aren’t the only one applying for a job so getting through the resumes takes time. If in fact the job is taken, look elsewhere, it's not the end of the world.

Online networking has become a defining factor in recent hires for many businesses. Top sites recruiters are using to ‘scope’ potential employees out include; Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Blogs and twitter. In addition, an estimated ¼ of all seekers are utilizing such social networks to gain employment.

A roadblock involved in the use of these profiles is the readily available and convenient view into your personal and sometimes not so professional life. A majority of businesses have reported that they dismissed otherwise adequate candidates due to unfortunate discoveries.

A majority of these consist of inappropriate photos. Most common among recent graduates and those within the younger generation, are provocative photos, or ones that involve substances such as alcohol or drugs. Employers are not ignorant, and understand that you live a social life outside of work; however, the extent of what you’re willing to share publicly can flash a big red flag. You could be a very responsible, hard working individual, but the employer’s first impression says otherwise, costing you any further job opportunities.

Another reason is etiquette, or lack there of. If your profile consists of information about previous employers, there better not be any ‘bashing’ of said employer. If a recruiter sees your negative response to previous employers, their suspicion of “What if you feel the same way about our company?” will increase, and your chances of getting a job with that company? Decreased. Also, any signs of this, discriminating phrases, or disclosure of confidential company information will greatly diminish the probability of employment, if not revoke the option all together.

Lying is also a huge factor. Be honest about your qualifications and own up to your accomplishments. If you're hired based off of false credentials...well let’s just say a recommendation by that employer probably won’t occur. Businesses want to see your certifications, accomplishments, skills; everything that makes you good at what you do, not what you think you might be good at. Areas like that are available for growth within the company and through experiences.

To avoid any of these situations. Be cautious of what your online profile is saying about you. Do a once over of all your social connections. Clean up bad photos and comments, or create a separate 'business' group or page.

Keep it clean and professional. Its simple and takes minimal time. Your career will thank you for it.