Social Networking and Job Searching

Online social networkers BEWARE....before we start, I'd like to pose a few questions...

Have you ever googled your name? If so what appears?
Who has access to your Facebook Profile?
Are you a random collector of Facebook Friends?
Do you actually know your Facebook Friends?
Is your image squeaky clean?

Don't think that an employer is not going to look into your background....are you going to be happy with the information that is unearthed about you?

I espouse the virtues of preparing for an interview by conducting prior research on the industry, company and people involved in the recruitment process. Where do I start this process? In a word - Google. Google has furnished me with a wealth of information, some of which I have used to build rapport during the interview. On one occasion, I recall being asked about my participation in extra curricular activities btw what the employer really wanted to know in asking this question, was whether I had a healthy work/life balance or perhaps was a couch potato. Before the interview, I Googled the name of the person conducting the interview and I found out that she was a triathlon fanatic...I skillfully incorporated this 'pearl' of information into my reply and was pleased to observe her very positive reaction to my answer. This experience serves example of how to use online research to support your job search activities...

I am trying to make the point that it is completely and utterly naive to think that a potential employer will not Google you - just as you have Googled them. So please pay attention to what you post online and ask yourself the question - does this reflect the image that I want to portray to an employer? Will your online past serve to help or impede your opportunities?

My advice, if in doubt, err on the side of caution an install the appropriate screening and security measures to protect your personal information - otherwise it might come back to bite you.

Interested in Fast Tracking Your Career? Log onto http://www.onestopresumeshop.com.au