I came across a great article for those who have recently graduated and are starting their first serious job-hunt; however, I think everyone in the job market could use some of the tips.
The subject is primarily reminding grads that "revealing pictures and intimate entries on social networking Web sites" could affect you when you start looking for jobs. Everyone I know (myself included) has posted something here on MySpace that could be construed as a "negative" mark with future employers.
As a recruiter, I know I regularly check out potential candidates (that is, ones who my clients have expressed a definite interest in offering a position) online. Sometimes I Google them, sometimes I check MySpace, depends on the job and the candidate. And it turns out, I'm not alone. According to a study by Indiana's Purdue University conducted last year, 12% of the 64 companies in the study said they used networking sites (i.e. MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn) to screen candidates. And a staggering 78% of these companies said what they found online affected their decision to either offer or decline to offer a position.
Another study by National Association of Colleges and Employers found 11.1% of the 257 employers surveyed planned to check out the online profiles of candidates that graduated in 2007.
So, you may be wondering what to do. If you are planning on starting a job search (both new graduates and experienced seekers), remove the drunken party pics, eliminate drug references, and generally clean up your online persona. Find ways to tailor it, to showcase your professional image. If you have pictures taken of you receiving awards or other positive images, add them. If you have held positions of responsibility, include them in your background/biographical information.
It may seem like common sense but a lot of us forget that your online persona is another reflection of you as a person. And, while beer pong might have been a fun way to spend nights, the pictures can reflect negatively on you. I suggest people who are serious about looking for a new position think about everything they post on MySpace, Facebook, etc., and ask "Would I volunteer this information about me on a job interview?" If the answer is "NO", then remove it. After you obtain that ideal position, you can slowly add these tidbits back to your site.
For anyone interested in reading the full article, you can access it at:
http://www.newhouse.com/spruce-up-your-web-presence-for-job-hunting-5.html
Regards,
Mary Stewart McGovern
President
Stewart McGovern Enterprises
Recruiters specializing in the placement of Accounting and Finance professionals in and around Cleveland, Ohio
www.stewartmcgovern.com
