Social Networking Do's and Don'ts

As employers are using social networking web sites more than ever to screen potential candidates, it is very important to present a positive image of yourself. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn are the four most popular social networking sites that employers are using to research for job candidates. Having an account and blogging on all of these is fine, but people need to keep better tabs on what information is being presented to public and keep certain site content private and other professional sites polished for people to see. There are a handful of do's and don'ts that should be used when it comes to social networking online.

Do's

Create your profile on a few professional websites, such as Facebook, and LinkedIn. This should be used to help sell yourself and your talents and network with other people in your field for contacts.

Be very careful about what you post on websites that are not your professional networking sites because you still can be found on other people's website.

Update your profiles and resumes as often as information changes. You never know when a search of your updated information might be what it takes to land an interview or job.

Don’ts

Don't link or post your resume on inappropriate websites that would not be of a professional nature.

Don't talk bad about your current or former employers online. That information could be found and used against you.

Don’t post information without actually thinking about what is to be posted. Many times that information cannot be changed once it has been entered.

Online Identity Project

In today’s society, it seems more important than ever to maintain a very positive image about yourself online. Recruiters and employers are turning to the internet more when seeking prospects for positions that they ever had in the past. In this struggling economy, companies are cutting back in all areas such as marketing and the expenses of posting ads online for job seekers. They have instead turned the table and now do their own research for prospective job candidates. Employers are researching their own candidates to make sure they would be a good fit and these searches could turn up some very interesting information about people. This reason alone would justify keeping a positive and professional image online to further enhance your ability to get employed.

After doing some research on my own identity, it seems that my name has become very common. I looked through a handful of these websites of other people and there are many pages that would project a bad impression. I did take the advice of my professor and turn my Facebook profile from an open public profile to one that requires my permission to access.

I think that your ability to find a job is greatly enhanced by using more resources to your advantage. I’ve had a resume online with Monster.com, but will now expand my horizons with the addition of Linkedin, VisualCV and Businesscards2.

Usefulness of Career Assessments

The career assessment tests can help anyone who may be undecided about what they want to do in life or where their life is headed. These kinds of tests are very similar to personality tests because they are designed to help you better understand more about yourself including your likes, dislikes and interests. Some of these assessments will test your knowledge about different things and how much common sense you may have. There are aptitude tests that will point out your abilities to learn new information and how well you are at retaining information. Some of the assessments now test your morals and values. These career assessment tests are you usually dozens of questions long with detailed reports that analyze may different areas and can provide you with the best possible choices for a career.

The Ever-Changing Workplace

The ever-changing workplace is all about the fast changes that are taking place in the world around us. In today’s society, advances in technology have completely changed how we do business today compared to 10 years ago or even 5 years ago. Ralph Waldo Emerson paraphrased an ancient Persian proverb in his Conduct of Life: Behavior, when he wrote, "The world possesses three types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who know not that things are happening or have happened.” I would have to say that he is absolutely correct with that statement. In today’s economy, this change is happening daily. The advancements in technology have replaced the jobs that thousands of people were doing previously. Companies are downsizing at and extremely large rate. I think that people must diversify their talents and abilities because those people who specialize in only one specific field or job are being let go for those that can multitask and work in more than one specialty at a time. I think that people should continue on with educating themselves because things are constantly changing and people need to be better prepared for what lies ahead.

Principles to live by

You should always keep a positive mental attitude. If you think positive and expect positive, then you will begin to see every situation is a positive light, even though times may look tough.

You should always keep your word. If you say you are going to do something, then its your duty to do that very thing.

You should never sell yourself or your character short for no one. If you believe in something, then you should hold strong to those beliefs and not let anyone steal them from you.

You should do unto others as you would want others to do unto you. This is one trait that my parents have instilled in me my entire life. Unfortunately, I see many people who don't seem to have ever learned this lesson in life.

You should always set goals for yourself and don't stop until you achieve them. When you have achieved them, then you should set another goal.

You should always understand that no one is perfect and that mistakes are meant to be made because each one is a blessing in disguise.

I've been taught that your life is a product of two things, the books you read and the people you associate yourself with. I read books all the time and it keeps my mind fresh and constantly seeking more. The people that you associate yourself with will dictate how you will live your life. It may not be noticeable to you now, but it will in the long run. If you want to be successful, then hang around successful people. The atmosphere will rub off on you.

Chris Roney's Biography

Chris Roney considers himself a successful and loving husband and father who spends his life devoted to family and friends. He was born and raised in the Flint, Michigan area and has traveled all over the United States for work and pleasure. Mr. Roney has attended Davenport University since 2006 and has attained his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science while majoring in Computer Support Technology, Computer Network and Network Security. He is currently working diligently towards his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networking. Mr. Roney currently works as a Field Services Engineer at McLaren Regional Medical Center. He has over 15 years of experience in the computer and networking field.