Keeping Your E-mage Clean
Posted in Online Networking
It's true. Employers do check your Facebook, Myspace and Friendster account, as well as your blogs and other social networks that allow you to be "Googled" and allow employers to sneak a peek at your life outside the office.
Careers are broken by what employers see on your profile or what they read on your blogs. These may seem far-fetched to you but these things have happened. This is why it's important to keep your online image clean. Here's how to check if there are some incriminating details on your social network profile.
Google yourself
You can also try other search engines such as Yahoo! Type your name in the search field of the popular search engine. Does anything potentially negative turn up? If yes, then try contacting the site where your found that negative detail about yourself and ask to have it removed. Or you can try to go to that site and see if you can remove it yourself.
Evaluate your social network site profiles
Perhaps you can also do some changes in your social network accounts so it won't look too much look like you're a party person or a disturbing individual. Remove photos or stories that could turn-off your boss or potential employers.
Delete friends' comments that say damaging information about you. You should also leave social network site groups (if you are a member) whose names ad activities are regarded shady.
Evaluate the contents of your blog or personal website
Check if you have written anything - and shared to the world - any subject matter that might make your boss or potential employer not want to read anymore of your posts, or hear from you ever again. If so, edit your blog or website content, or delete it/them if you have to.
To know if your online "image" is presentable enough, think "would I be comfortable if my parents saw this?"
If yes, then it's safe to say it's okay to be viewed by current or potential employers.
