CNN Gives Solid Social Networking Advice

November 10th, 2008 | Careers, Facebook, Online Reputation Management, Social Networking | Rob

According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, 22% of employers already use social networking sites to evaluate potential candidates with an additional 9% planning to do so in the near future. Despite this fact, however, the percentage of employees who have modified their social networking profiles for potential employers is only 16%.This notable disparity shows that people’s awareness of their online identity is still lacking.

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In analyzing this survey last week, ReputationDefender Blog offered its readers some advice on how to manage their reputations online and make a positive online impression. To continue along that same train of thought, here are a few more measures individuals can take to manage their online reputations.

From the CareerBuilder Article:

Do update your profile regularly

“Keep your profile updated, even when you’re not looking for a job,” recommends Patrice-Anne Rutledge, author of “The Truth About Profiting from Social Networking.” “Recruiters love to find top-notch passive job candidates and having a current profile can help you land your dream job when you least expect it.”

Don’t badmouth your current or previous employer

You know that griping about your current boss is a grave error during an interview, and it’s just as detrimental on your profile. Give hiring managers the idea that eventually you’ll be tarnishing their image if you part ways with the company and you’ll be crossed of their lists of candidates.

Also, if you’re currently employed, don’t forget any confidentiality and conduct agreements you’ve signed, Vergara reminds. You don’t want to violate your contract and end up jobless while you hunt for a new position.

Do join groups…selectively

One of the fun elements of networking sites is that you can connect with other people who share your same interests and have your quirky sense of humor. Thus you end up with virtual groups like “I Drink More Beer than Water.”

The silly group might seem harmless enough to you, but for a hiring manager trying to find a mature candidate for an open position, it doesn’t leave a great impression.

“No one is going to hire the consultant doing the keg stand or the lawyer that belongs to the anarchist forum,” says Patricia Sanchez-Abril, an expert on privacy and networking sites and professor of business law at the University of Miami. Instead opt for groups that show your professional aspirations or social involvement, such as an organization for advertising professionals or the charity you volunteer at.

Don’t mention your job search if you’re still employed

If your boss knows you’re on the lookout for a new job, then by all means let it be known. However, if you’re attempting to keep your search below the radar, Vergara recommends restraint. Even if your boss isn’t your online friend, somebody can get the information back to him or her.

Do go on the offensive

If you want to use your networking profile as a tool, review the pictures you’ve uploaded, the personal information you’ve disclosed and any personal blogs or sites you’ve linked to. Don’t wait until you’re interviewing to go back and clean up your profile because the hiring manager probably already had a look.

“Get rid of your digital dirt,” says Rutledge. “A large percentage of recruiters ‘Google’ potential candidates to see what they can find out about them — both the good and the bad. Be sure that you don’t have any information on social networks or other sites that could make a recruiter decide to pass on you as a job candidate.”

Don’t forget others can see your friends

Unless you’ve opted to keep your friends list private, your friends can see the contacts you’ve made. So in addition to keeping your friends’ risque pictures and comments off of your profile, be cautious about whom you friend and when.

“Connecting to five people at Company XYZ after a day of vacation is a sure sign you are interviewing,” Vergara cautions.

Ultimately you need to remember that social networking profiles can mean potential bosses are evaluating you before you even apply for the job. You’d make sure to wear your best clothes to an interview, so polish your profile with the same care.