With the rise of social media and new internet technologies, it’s been a whirlwind trying to keep up with the trends. From Facebook and Twitter to blogging and iPhone apps, the job searching world has changed dramatically. The internet has proved to be innovative and helpful, but has also been known to burn those who have not censored themselves. Within the blogging world, topics can range from what you eat everyday to how to find the perfect woman. So, of course there are blogs about job searching and some bloggers personal journeys to finding their path to a great career. One personal blog I recently read actually told readers that they lie on their resume and during interviews! Even if this isn’t completely true, I would recommend following the idea that nothing on the internet goes away or gets deleted. It just might be in your best interest!
Privacy Issues.
If nothing gets deleted on the internet, or maybe just gets buried underneath new content anyone who is seasoned with computers can use their own tactics to find basically anything they want to find. Around 90% of employers check a candidates online presence and background before hiring them. We get that the internet is a place for you to truly express yourself, show off your new tattoo of that lyric that got you through your high school years or adding photos on Facebook of that drunken college night where you shot gunned a beer in the library. However, do you really want your future employer seeing you in that light? Most people want to be respected and to be seen as professional in the workplace. We all know you have a life outside of work, and those worlds will most likely collide in certain ways, but there are things we as recruiters just don’t want to know! Getting to the point, Your employer will most likely search for you, so make sure they still have that great impression of you after they check out your blog and/or Twitter.
Facebook/ Website/ Blog Do’s and Dont’s.
Be careful what you put online. I cannot stress this enough! I once heard of an employee who was sending photos back and forth with her boyfriend through work email, it didn’t end well. Use the internet properly, especially on company time.
Consider creating a personal website if you’re unemployed. This is becoming more and more popular. It is a great idea to create a site that possible employers can find that shows your more professional side. Put a link in to your professional blog and your LinkedIn profile. Add a place where visitors can check out your updated resume. If you have writing samples or pieces of your portfolio, feature them here.
Don’t list your blog if it is NOT relevant. If you have a blog that’s just for fun, don’t advertise it. You shouldn’t be putting incriminating photos over the Internet anyways, but you are allowed to express yourself in your own way just be aware that anyone can find that information about you easily.
Read Job Search Blogs.
This is huge. Blogs are great because they are constantly being updated with new ideas and trends. There could be blogs out there with new sites that have positions you wouldn’t have otherwise found out there. They might give you tips on something you struggle with during interviews. That’s the other great thing about blogs, there are so many different topics you can almost find anything you’re looking for. The Internet is a database of awesome helpful information, use it to your advantage!
