How Your Social Networking Pages Can Lose You a Job Interview

When you are in the process of looking for a new job, have you ever thought about what your social networking pages are telling prospective employers about you?  We’re talking Facebook, Twitter, and (for those of you who still use it) MySpace. 

Believe it or not, a growing number of employers have taken to cyberspace to look for info on prospective employees.  While you may have a wonderful website that shows off your great technical skills, you need to remember that what’s on your Facebook page can hurt you when you are trying to land a job.

In this age of social networking, employers are free to view any information you decide to leave as “public” on social sites.  While this can work to your benefit if your page shows your graphic artistry or other job skills, it is also risky if you are posting crazy party photos or semi-clad self-portraits taken in the bathroom mirror (you know the ones we mean!) 

The biggest social-networking ‘no-no’ is posting negative comments about your previous company.  Any prospective employer encountering your tirade about how much you hated your old boss is liable to immediately file your resume in the nearest trash can.  Even if you delete rants immediately after posting, Google is likely to have taken a snapshot and any names of people or companies you mentioned will be available in Google search for weeks or even months.

Being socially visible online can be a very positive thing, and in many cases, your websites and digital footprints can increase your chances of securing a job interview, and ultimately, securing a job.  For instance, do you have your own blog? Have you built out other’s websites?  Sending these online links to a potential employer is a great way to show that you are technically savvy, but also professional and serious about your job hunting. 

The bottom line is to remember that what you do publicly while social networking won’t always remain hidden from view, even if you’re super-careful with your Facebook security settings.  Keep this in mind while you are updating your LiveJournal page, especially if you are looking for a new job. You never know who could be watching you.