Clean Social Media
We've all heard the list of pros and cons that come with social networking. On the plus side, it is a great way to stay in contact, to socialize with friends, and to meet others with the same interests. On the negative side, it can also be addictive, personal, and invasive. Although social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, have been created for the 'social' aspect of life, the thin line between work and play is becoming blurred. It's great to post weekend party pics on Facebook on Sunday night, but what is this doing for your reputation Monday morning?
You may be surprised.
Social Networking in the Grand Scheme of Things
Just how big is social networking these days? According to the Neilson Company, in March 2009, social networking was the 4th most popular online activity with over 67 percent of the global online population participating on social networking sites. In fact, social network and blogging sites account for one in every 11 minutes of global online activity.
Compete.com rates Facebook as the most popular social networking site with over 1.2 billion visitors in January 2009. The other established social networking sites include MySpace, Twitter, Flixster, and LinkedIn. Although Facebook and MySpace have attracted all sorts of age groups, the average member age for Facebook is 21, according to a 2008 report by Jeff Cain in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. A Michigan State University survey indicates that 94 percent of undergraduate students were members of Facebook.
What these reports suggest is that those who are entering the workforce are the same people who are constantly tweeting to their friends in their spare time. This is not necessarily a bad thing, until it comes time for the job application process.
What Others Can See and Why It's Hurting You
Although Facebook, MySpace and other social network sites have privacy applications where you can decide who gets to view your profile, many members do not make use of these applications. In general, any member who is a friend or in your network can view your profile, but networks can include entire cities, states, and universities and you never know who at your potential place of employment belongs to the same group.
Therefore, every wall post, status update, group joined, and picture posted can be potentially viewed by a hiring staff. Are you comfortable with your prospective boss viewing the pictures you posted from Friday night? Is every post on your wall completely appropriate? If you answered negatively to either of these questions, you may want to rethink how you privatize your profile.
The Implications of Social Networking and the Job Hunt
In a recent survey from AM J Pharm Education, 72 percent of employers surveyed felt that Facebook content should (and is) used in the hiring decision. Although 60 percent of students are against using Facebook as a determiner for hiring, this does not matter. Careerbuilder.com reports that 22 percent of employers use Facebook in the hiring process with a further 9 percent saying that they plan to do so.
Forty-one percent of managers surveyed by Careerbuilder.com pointed out that information about drug use and alcohol abuse was a main concern and played a critical role in the decision about a potential employee.
Other decision-altering issues include inappropriate photos, poor communication skills (on wall to wall), bad mouthing of former employers, inaccurate qualifications, and unprofessional statuses and screen names.
Social Precautions and Suggestions
The impact of social networking on the job front does not have to be a bad thing. In fact, for those who spruce up their Facebook page, post professional and accurate information, monitor their photos, wall to wall messages and other content, and find the balance between work and play in social networking settings have a better chance of impressing their potential employer. Twenty-four percent of employers have admitted to hiring someone based on their social network page according to Careerbuilder.com. If you can project a professional appearance both on and offline, then you will have a better chance of success in the work force.
Article Resources:
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
Compete.com
Neilson Online