Using Social Networking Websites To Progress Your Career

Using Social Networking Websites To Progress Your Career
05th December 2007
Author: UK Careers
It's amazing how quickly ideas and perceptions change in the online world. For example the emergence of social networking sites have taken Internet users by storm and has therefore creating a huge debate over their purposes and how they should (or shouldn't) be used.The burning issue over the use of social networking sites is if the information on the websites could or should be used as evidence. For example information posted on these types of sites could provide evidence required to convict people of offences. As well as this, there is an issue of visibility. By this I am referring to the fact that once you post information online, in most cases it is there to stay. With auto-archiving websites such as "the way back machine" and not forgetting Google's cache, a hasty delete may not be enough. If you are applying for a new job, you could be shocked at the amount of information that is now freely available to your potential employer should you have posted it online. For example, you could have less than flattering or professional photos of you at your friends stag do online. It's hard to imagine that those photos would do anything other than leave a bad impression of you in the minds of your potential new employers.Yes there are negative aspects of this, but with the prominence of social networking websites, there is also a lot to be gained and achieved through their use. For example if you are a professional, you should treat websites such as Facebook and Myspace as an opportunity to market yourself. Think carefully about what information and what photos that you post on your profile, think of this is a presentation execrice. Focus your information about your work career and wishes. Your photo's should also present a professional image. After all, your potential new employer will search for some information about you online. If you present them with a professional image which is easily accessible, then you will have passed a test.You may also be surprised at the amount of employment firms that have profiles or groups on social networking sites. There's no harm in trying to establish a relationships of sorts with them, even if its just by joining their group. If you do this, it's more than likely that your profile will be read by somebody that you want it to be done so by.In many cases when an employer looks to find information about their candidates before an interview, should they find a profile, they expect to see photos of you enjoying a holiday and a night out or two. Any work related information is a bonus, but should they find a professional looking profile, complete with a history of your work details and personal information, ultimately an extension to your CV, you will make a good impression.Yes, we all enjoy having a good time with friends and we all enjoy looking at less than flattering photos of ourselves. However if you want to pursue your chosen career, you do need stop and think before you post any information about yourself online. If you approach the use of social networking sites correctly, your next job could actually find you!This article is written by Jonathan Walker of Recruitment Vacancies
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