My Space / Facebook

Are they prohibiting you from going places?

By: Jason Simpson

Posted: 4/21/09

MySpace and Facebook are costing job seekers potential opportunities. Personal networking pages have also cost many employees in the working community their current positions. According to a poll by USA Today, one in five employers search social networking sites to screen potential employees. Studies also show that this trend of screening will continue to rise. Below are some areas of concern to potential employers:

Information about alcohol or drug use.

Inappropriate photos or information posted on a candidate's page. Employers don't want to see irresponsible behavior posted out there as if to be proud of it. They are looking for respectable individuals that they can count on to be on the job. Displays of elicit, partying behavior are not looked highly upon. Michael Phelps is a perfect example of what not to do.

Poor communication skills: potential employers look to see how well you can communicate with your friends and again what the content is. Communication to employers is key to a smooth functioning business.

Bad-mouthing of former employers or fellow employees: this is a no-no, potential employers looks at this as the person that will cause trouble for the company.

Unprofessional screen names: if you're out looking for a job/career, one may want to be a little tactful in the choosing of the personal page screen name. You could be axed before you even get an interviewed on account of suggestive themes.

Displays of criminal behavior: again bad idea in general, not only can you get eliminated from a candidate pool, you might just have presented an invitation for authorities to visit you.

Confidential information about past employers: not only do potential employers frown when they see this, you previous employer may have cause for legal recourse depending on the content.

Ways to avoid the social network page axe are:

Set the page to private if you don't want the whole world to see what's going on.

Remove pictures, content and links that can send the wrong message to potential employers.

Update social networking profiles regularly to highlight latest accomplishments.

Consider blocking comments to avoid questionable posts; avoid joining groups whose names and or purpose could turn off potential employers.

Avoid pessimistic blogging if you're not willing to set your profile to private.

Set up an account under a pseudonym or alias if you want to rant and rave about issues.

Social networks can be a useful tool if they're worked right. Employers aren't just looking for bad stuff to disqualify candidates. They are also looking for things that will make you more qualified than some of the rest of the candidates. Don't be afraid to brag a little bit on good accomplishments. Avoid sounding arrogant though. Employers like to see candidates that take a pride in their work; it shows dedication and a hard work. In short be careful what goes on the personal page, who knows who will be looking at it.