Research of company I’ve applied for….check!
Interview suit cleaned and pressed…..check!
Pictures from last summer’s party on Facebook taken down…..check..wait! what???
These days most job seeking students already have an online footprint. Your online footprint is the digital imprint of your life. (1) Many of you may not realize most companies not only research your qualifications by checking references, requiring a background check, or you passing a drug test but also check out your social web pages such as Facebook, Myspace, or LinkedIn. (Even if you are set as private. Trust me, they have a way of getting in!)
When my 5 year old son joined a child friendly website this summer, the #1 useful tip they flashed across the screen was “Remember! Once you post anything online, it is there…FOREVER!”. This basic internet rule applies to all ages. Once you allow a photo to be posted of you from last weekend’s party or you make a crude comment on someone’s status, you are helping to create your footprint for all others to see 5 years down the road. Try to make your footprint as positive as possible.
YOU are responsible for YOU! Each time you go to post a status update or tag yourself in a photo, take a moment to step back and ask yourself “Would I want my future employer to see this about me?”. If you take these cautious steps now, you will help alleviate yourself of explanation or embarrassment later.
References:
(1) http://www.blueskyresumes.com/blog/online-footprint/
Other references related to the topic:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/20/eveningnews/main1734920.shtml
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/more-employers-use-social-networks-to-check-out-applicants/
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