If you're an enthusiastic blogger, forum user or social networker, have you thought about what kind of personal info you’re putting on the web? With the recent news that more and more employers are using the internet to research job candidates and staff, we take a look at the potential pitfalls of living your life online...
What's your 'net reputation'?
The internet is becoming a very sociable place. Millions of people in Britain are signed up to networking sites like MySpace and Facebook. If you're among them, it might be second nature to you to write an account of your last night out and upload photos to show just how much of a good time you had!
But before you hit the 'post' button, it can pay to think about who'll be able to see what you publish. The web is a public place and you don’t always have total control over who can access your info. Plus the more you publish, the easier it is for employers to find out more about you than you’ve told them on your CV!
Do employers really pay attention to what I put online?
Some do! Recent research by a networking site found that one in every five employers admitted they used social networking sites to search for information on candidates. Two thirds said that what they found influenced a recruitment decision, and a quarter said that they had decided not to hire someone because of what was online. You’re likely to blow your chances of making a good first impression if the first search result they come across is you in party animal mode!
The top five online turn-offs
Here are some of the big no-no’s that might scupper your chances of landing that plum job:
- posting stories and photos of wild nights out - your friends might be impressed, but what about your future boss?
- gossiping about friends' love lives...or publishing detailed accounts of your own!
- publishing a whinge about your current employer
- criticising your manager or colleagues - what seems to you like a bit of gossip between friends can look very different to your boss!
- spending too much work time on social networking sites.
Check yourself out!
We all care about how we come across in person and the same applies on the web. Here are our top tips on how to check your online profile:
- read the privacy policy of sites before you sign up - it pays to know exactly how your information will be used
- if you want to get things off your chest on a forum or blog use a fake name
- enter your name or email address into a well-used search engine and see what comes up - if it’s that blog about your New Year's fancy dress party, consider removing it!
- use the web to your advantage - upload your CV or join a professional networking site like LinkedIn.
All in all, it's about being sensible. Be careful what you publish and post - if you wouldn't put it on the back of a postcard, don't publish it!
If you'd like more advice on your job search, you can speak to one of the Careers Advice Service careers coaches on 08080 100 333. They can help you with CVs, application forms and interview skills. Lines are open 8am to 10pm seven days a week.
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