Think Before you Post: Don’t Jeopardize Your Job Search

The downside to using social networks and blogs is that the lines between personal and professional lives are blurring. Employers are using it to access personal information about potential employees in order to assist them in making hiring decisions.

Many employers are checking Facebook profiles of job applicants and have even rescinded job offers due to information they have found online about the candidate. So when you are about to post that hilarious picture of you and your friends getting carried away at last night’s party, think twice. Should an employer come across any behaviour or expressed opinions that are offensive or unethical, even if it is not work related, it can seriously jeopardize your job search and career success.

Cases have even been reported of employees losing their jobs due to information they have posted online. Remember, what you deem as innocent fun or personal expression can be perceived by an employer as unprofessional.

Make use of the privacy settings available to you on social networking sites to restrict access to your profile and to your list of contacts if your friends are posting embarrassing or revealing details about you.

The best advice it to try to maintain a professional image at all times and consider the consequences should an employer read your online profile, comments or blogs.

Think before your post.