Social Networking Web sites: Good or Bad for You?

These days a person’s name can be “Googled” in order to fulfill a general inquiry. If someone is active on the Internet, then he/she can be found. Social Networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are popular among youths and professionals alike. Most profile pages are viewable by the public, which allows for scrutiny by anyone.

These Web sites are becoming an increasingly popular tool among employers. Employers search the Web before making a decision between candidates. Since the information is public, than it is fair game. It is similar to a background check, yet more personal. An employer may have to choose between two well-qualified individuals and if one of them has a profile indicating undesirable corporate behavior, it could cost them a job.

Information and comments posted on a social Web site, whether added in all seriousness or in jest, is up for interpretation. Without actually knowing the person, employers may pass judgment based solely on the content of a page. If seemingly offensive content is posted, employers may also question the beliefs and rationale of the applicant, even if the applicant was merely showing off or joking around.

Although social networking pages are public information, some people question the ethical and legal behavior of employers using the sites. Using these sites as a reference may impact employers’ decisions when choosing an employee. Employers are able to find answers to personal questions that are not permitted to be asked during a formal interview. It is also possible that a line is being crossed in regards to discrimination law violations when these sites are being used as an employment screening process.

On the upside, social networking sites can do wonders for one’s career. The Internet can be used to broadcast past career and personal achievements, which make employee candidates more appealing to potential employers. One can also find employment opportunities through social networking. Many past colleagues or acquaintances are involved with social networking. Past relationships with these individuals could open the door to new jobs, employment referrals or even valuable business contacts.

In addition to the mainstream social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, there are also sites like LinkedIn that cater to business professionals. Specialized networking sites can be utilized for business or to boost one’s career. Many of these sites require membership and fees to uphold a sense of professionalism.

Also, just because one already has secured a position within a company, that does not mean he/she is safe to then post anything on the Internet. Privacy concerns arise when employees post private information regarding current or past companies of which they have been employed. Since the popularity of blogging came about, there have been numerous stories in which bloggers have been fired from their place of work because of a blog they wrote. In these cases, the blogs were often used either as an outlet by which the blogger vented frustration about their employers or sometimes an online attack of a company. Either way, employees must be wary about what they sign their name to on the Internet; anyone could be watching.