If Facebook scares you, is fear stopping your networking?
If Facebook scares you, are you missing job networking opportunities?
Should a job seeker stay off Facebook? One of the questions that comes up is how do you handle Facebook? We have to address Facebook No-nos and what to do if you did get tagged in friends photos. But often people think they should just stay off of Facebook. I really don’t think so. You will miss more networking opportunities by staying off than you do risk offending employers if you use common sense.
One inquiry wondered if you should only post things acceptable in church. I misunderstood at first and thought she was suggesting posting things talked about in services or your faith. Unfortunately, as I responded, posting things about religion or politics can actually make it worse for you on Facebook.
What she was really talking about is not saying anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying in your church. My church has a very honest atmosphere and we have a lot of communication on a wide range of topics so I am not sure even that change my Facebook posting. But I got the idea, keep it clean and keep it neutral.
I have found use for multiple social networks and all of them have yielded new friends, enhanced relationships with people I know in real life, and also new clients. I think Facebook, in particular, works well with letting you show a human side of you.
If you use Facebook responsibly and don’t post drunken parties or have heated arguments overtake your content, I think you will benefit more than lose from it. I believe what employers are looking for is whether you are a balanced person with interests and someone who generally speaks positively. They are looking to make sure you are honest and forthright, as opposed to someone who would try to rip off the company or do less than an honest day’s work.
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I don’t think you should want to fear a website. Learn how to use it properly. Then you can get more advantages.
Thanks, Jessi, using things properly is always the best idea!
I like the church (or synagogue, or mosque) analogy a lot. Another, more universal one is the grandmother analogy. If it would offend (or would have offended) your grandmother, it would likely also offend a potential employer and should probably stay off Facebook.
Good point, Michael. Grandmother’s are a good place to start. Kind of funny, I just read a friend’s post who said her husband told her the clever posting she was about post wasn’t wise… and she said,… “leading me to think that Facebook really should add a red “Not Wise” button to the left of the blue “Post” button.” Right up there with a “would your grandmother like this?” button. Thanks for stopping by!