Job hunting and your online presence

The following blog article about "social networks as a marketing tool" got me thinking about a persons online presence, and how this could affect your ability to gain (or fail to gain!) employment.

http://wazza.com/blog/uncategorized/social-networks-as-a-marketing-tool/

In this age of Big Brother, there are few aspects of your life that can't be checked up on. In an article on ABC News: Good Morning America journalist, Tory Johnson, raised the spectre of personal blogs, or sometimes worse, blogs operated by friends or family, could be sabotaging your job prospects or opportunities. But forewarned can be forearmed and it can be possible to turn this looming disaster in your favour.

The latest in the U.S. (and as I always say Australia is never far behind) is for employers or prospective employers to run a search to see what they can pick up about an employee or applicant. Positions or promotions have been won or lost by what they have found. Sometimes it is not even an entry by the owner of the blog, but comments made by outsiders, that have caused the problems.

Kathie Thomas, Director of global virtual organisations, 'A Clayton's Secretary' and self confessed 'Blog Guru', tells of an individual here in Australia who lost his job because of things he said about his employer's company on his blog. He also had to remove the blog because of threatening legal action by his former employer.

One incident cited by Ms Johnson was that of a lady who posted her holiday photos, some in a bikini, on her blog for family and friends. There was nothing distasteful about the photos, however some of the comments posted by visitors to the site were most distasteful. As she seldom checked the site these comments remained, and were seen by her employer and co-workers causing a great deal of discomfort for her at work.

Points to consider if you, your friends, or family have a blog:

• Be sure your children undertand the importance of exposing themselves, or their family, unfavourably to the world. Teenagers who write about excessive drinking or wild parties on their blog - or yours - could be damaging their job prospects

• Be aware that you can block others from posting to your site

• If you do allow posts, monitor your site regularly and edit or delete if necessary

• If you are job hunting - or other - never post anything you wouldn't want your current or prospective employer to read - or anyone else of influence or importance in your life

• Always remember that this is your face to the world

• Post positive information about achievements, organisations your may be involved in, community service etc. It does not have to be - or should be - trumpet blowing, but casual references to your many positive attributes could go a long way

On a positive note, professional colleague, Dean J. told me that some time ago he joined a table tennis club and was rapidly inducted as Membership Manager. He has found that with the job title, listed on the club's web site, has come unexpected business relationships and new clients.

"Now when prospective clients, former clients, colleagues, recruiters etc do a Google search...up pops my exploits in Table Tennis," Dean says "They even know the scores of my games. UGH!"

"The amazing result is that it has been great for business. Clients and others see that I am not all business...but actually have a life. The personal connection has been great."

That you have an online identity does not necessarily tell against you. It is what you do with your online life that can be the deciding factor, and it can be a positive influence if handled correctly.