About Career Blog

Proceed with Caution!

One of the hardest lessons I've learned from being an active user of sites like Myspace and Facebook is how to put out the best image of myself for the world to see. I, like most college students, enjoy the occasional social outing and like to take pictures to remind myself of the days when everything was easy... The problem is, come Sunday morning, those pictures might not showcase my most attractive qualities.

Keeping your profile set to "private" or "friends-only"' is the first step to separating your social life from the professional, classy side of yourself you want everyone to know and love. In addition, do not accept friend requests from people that you do not know or do not want to associate with. Having promotional companies for nightclubs on your Top Friends, for example, may not look very appealing to a pencil-pusher boss. In addition, when your profile reads that you plan to attend a "Pimps 'n Hoes" party or a "Get Tanked!" night at the bar, your boss may not be so appreciative of your late night lifestyle.

The main thing to keep in mind with any networking site is that people will only see a two-dimensional version of you. The pictures that you understand as being appropriate to the occasion may not appear so when the viewer does not have a life-size explanation to go with it. The best you can do is keep it classy and remember to always monitor the things you put out there for everyone to see.

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Posted by Amanda on 12/12/2008 12:38:00 AM
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Social Networking: Do’s and Don’ts

Social networking sites have become a popular form of communication for people you have met at various times throughout your life. They have also become an important tool in making (and keeping) connections with current and former employers and co-workers. Those connections are imperative to your job search.

Networking is a must when embarking on a job search. With increased competitiveness in the job market, an entirely new set of challenges have been presented to job seekers. A job seeker must make his/her resume accessible to as many people possible. This can be accomplished by utilizing resume database sites, responding to classified ads and utilizing social networking sites. The advantages to social networking sites are vast, if and only if, used correctly. To obtain the maximum benefits of this online environment, it is important to know the Do’s and Don’ts of social networking.

There are many ways to keep your profile safe from the “preying” eye. Fortunately for all of us, there are these great tools called privacy settings. From there you can easily choose the privacy level that best suits your needs. This will help you to differentiate between your personal and business profile. It is always important to remember that the World Wide Web is an enormous place and you never know who may be looking at your profiles—so please be discrete and responsible about anything that you or anyone else posts to your profile.

You should also be careful about who you friend request and who you accept as a friend. It’s like your mom always told you, “birds of a feather flock together”. The friends that you keep are a direct reflection of who you are as a person. More likely than not, a prospective employer may use LinkedIn or Facebook as a tool when making the decision of hiring you or any one of your competitors. Their purpose is to scrutinize you from every possible angle, so Beware!

Social networking websites can often be a double-edged sword if not used properly. Taking these simple steps can ensure that your profile will be working for you and not against you. It also ensures that future employers/colleagues will only see the best parts of who you are. You’d be surprised how hiding or “de-tagging” incriminating, inappropriate pictures from your profile can work wonders for your image.

Also, don’t forget to take total advantage of the information sections of your profile. Use this space to list your talents, hobbies and any previous work experience you have had – minus the reining title of ‘Beer Pong Champion’. By simply using a little discretion and a little creative flare you’ll put your best foot forward and hopefully the job offers will come pouring in!

Good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 12/05/2008 09:53:00 AM
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Let Networking WORK for You!

Networking is vital to anyone's success in life, let alone the workforce.  It is especially important to those entering the workforce for the first time, because as Seymour mentioned, it is a clean slate!  By using your four [or more] years in college to build relationships that will advance your career, you can achieve much more than you may have anticipated within your first few years on the job.

There is no greater networking tool than the instant access that a website or personal profile can provide.  Keep in mind that you want one that puts you in a positive light.  As we've all expressed previously, your profile should include things that will make you look like the perfect new hire, not material for water cooler gossip.  By joining groups and networks that focus on your intended career path, you can access information and people that can put you on the right track.

In addition, it is wise to join clubs and organizations throughout your college campus and community.  Paying a nominal fee in dues is miniscule when compared to the thousands more you can earn from having the connections from that club on your resume.  And don't join just to join-- because if you list it on your resume, your employer may ask about it.  Be prepared to describe the experiences and talents you've gained from your time participating within in the club.

The main thing to remember when making these connections is that every person you come into contact with has the potential to help you land a great job.  Try to always be respectful, energetic and willing to learn when encountering these people.

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Posted by Amanda on 11/27/2008 04:50:00 PM
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Use social networking websites to your advantage.

One of the most important things that a person can do when preparing for the job search is networking. Having and making connections with people can lead to a future job offer or just some really good advice. You never know who could lend a helping hand in the future—it may even be the people you least expect. Keeping in touch with old co-workers, classmates and friends was made easy with the dawn of the social networking website. My social networking website of choice is Facebook, but it does not hurt to have more than one. The more social networking websites you are a part of, the more people you have a chance to network with.

Facebook is a website geared towards high school and college students, where other social networking websites, such as LinkedIn, are geared toward the college graduate and workplace professional. I had never heard of the website LinkedIn until overhearing co-workers speaking about it at my internship over the summer. I found out that LinkedIn is a place for professionals to share their resume with their colleagues and those people they have made connections with throughout their lifetime. Since both websites are geared toward different audiences, it may not be appropriate to have some of the information that I have on my Facebook, on my LinkedIn account. Discretion is advised with any social networking website, but be especially discrete about what you decide to share on LinkedIn. A LinkedIn profile is available to co-workers, your boss and even your boss’ boss. So, I would probably focus on my career goals, experience and triumphs, rather than what party I will be attending that night. So go ahead, join LinkedIn and get networking. It can only help you in the long run. 

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Posted by Jen on 10/30/2008 09:51:00 PM
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