 "Photo: James Heck / The Advocate")
While the Internet is expanding communication and the free flow of information, there is growing concern that seemingly innocent involvement in social networking Web sites can be more harmful than helpful when entering the job market.
Throughout the strenuous years of college, many students work tirelessly toward their career goals by maintaining a high grade point average, becoming involved in extracurricular activities on campus and volunteering in the community.
As if that was not enough, oftentimes, scholars take the initiative to become even more competitive candidates by gaining practical experience through internships and having a handful of professional references ready that can vouch for their skills.
Upon graduation, there is a checklist of items that require care and detail. That to-do list includes creating a resumé that sparkles, purchasing the business attire to look the part and rehearsing the best responses to interview questions.
While this path sounds nearly flawless, there is one stop on the way that does not always instantly come to mind: using online media, such as the professional networking Web site LinkedIn, to their advantage to showcase their talent and experience for prospective employers.
The way that people portray themselves through the Internet can quite possibly mean the difference between their dreams materializing or becoming a nightmare of lost opportunities, given that they put more thought into their online persona.
Imagine typing your name into a search engine such as Google. Depending on the information that you put out into the World Wide Web, the results found on Twitter, MySpace and similar outlets can be encouraging or embarrassing.
In a June 2009 survey by CareerBuilder, a human capital solution that helps companies target and attract potential candidates, it was found that 45 percent of responding employers reported prescreening their applicants by researching their social networking usage.
Of the 35 percent of companies that reported finding information that stopped them from hiring a potential candidate, the top reasons were inappropriate photographs and information, as well as content referencing alcohol and drug use.
While not publicizing the incriminating photographic evidence and details of last night’s party sounds like a no-brainer, even the most prudent of people can be surprised by unattractive photos of themselves tagged by friends on Facebook.
In instances such as these, people need to take advantage of privacy tools, such as only allowing certain networks to view their profiles. Still, there are other ways to get around this, as much of the information deleted still floats around and can be accessed via database caches.
Online privacy, sadly, is becoming an oxymoron.
This prospect of an employer bypassing the face-to-face first impression is a growing trend in hiring processes. As they view the profiles as a reflection of a person’s character, it is up to the applicant to use social networking responsibly.
While some people may argue that employers prying for information violates privacy and fair hiring practices, there are currently no regulations that make such decisions unlawful.
Furthermore, the search does not necessarily end once someone makes it on payroll. Many businesses choose to continue browsing and monitoring their employees to ensure that they are representing the company well.
In a 2009 survey by ResumeBear, an online resume Web site, 74 percent of businesses surveyed said that it is easy to damage a brand’s reputation via social networking sites.
Additionally, 60 percent of business executives answered that they have a right to know how their employees are portraying themselves and the organization online, 63 percent of those between the ages of 18-34 responding disagreed.
But just as someone interviewing for a job would research the company beforehand in order to be prepared to tell the interviewer why they have chosen to pursue a career with them, it does not seem astonishing for a hiring manager to do the same of the candidate.
For many reasons, social networking should not be sworn off completely, solely due to the apparent risks. When used correctly, it can help get your foot in the door if you display your strengths and motivation to do well.
Socializing with friends and family online, as these Web sites were initially created for, can still be enjoyed. Just as in real life, the true test is being able to keep personal and private matters separate.
Contact Holly Pablo at hpablo.advocate@gmail.com
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