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.