They're Researching Me Too??

As students, we are all working towards the goal of graduating, but unfortunately, a diploma does not double as a job offer. The Internet has changed the way students research employers, but it has also changed the way employers research students. So in order to ensure that the Internet remains an asset and not a hindrance, it is essential to understand why employers are increasing their use of these websites and outline what C-N students should do as a result. For most they serve as a tool to reconnect with old friends; others use them as an excuse to take a break from studying; and still others log in to keep up on the latest gossip, but the transparency of these allows employers to take a glimpse into the real lives of their prospective employees, and they can do it at the simple click of a button. As a result, students can risk being sabotaged before even attending an interview, simply because an employer noticed a risqu picture or racy comment. Facebook calls themselves on their website "a social utility that connects you with the people around you." What this statement doesn't specify, however, is the immensely broad implications of this statement; as a result of this site, anyone anywhere is automatically connected to you. Employers are drawn to this concept because it is simple, informative, and honest. While students can mask details about their lives with a professional suit and a firm handshake, the writings, pictures, videos, etc on many social networking sites are blatant and descriptive. Warren Ashton, group marketing manager at Microsoft, said researching students through social networking sites is "becoming very much a common tool...you suddenly have very public information about almost any candidate."

So employers are using the internet . why is this bad? The fact is that is doesn't have to be. There are specific steps students can implement in order to make this new trend a beneficial, not a detrimental one. First, it is vital that C-N students inform themselves of the policies projected by these websites. Unfortunately, this is no simple task. Extensive policy page are laden with lengthy legal jargon to mask the extent to which users relinquish all rights, this a good rule of thumb: Everything you post is open to everyone, most employers will turn to them most of the time, and there aren't any websites that take any responsibility anything occurring on or caused by their service.

Secondly, C-N must exercise when using these sites. I enjoy posting pictures of my friend on Facebook or posting quotes and inside jokes on my wall just as much as anyone else, and simply because employers can access such websites does not have to ruin all our fun. It simply means we must consider the implications of what we publish online as well as what is posted about us. Whether we think having to think about such things is justified, we must accept it as a fact of life and think twice about what messages and image we are portraying online. IF you wouldn't want your grandmother to see or read any of what is published; you probably don't want your potential employer to either.

"Be smart about what you put on an easily accessible electronic medium. Future employers, among others, could use a profile against [you]," said Gail Hanson, Vice President for Campus Life at American University. " We don't want students to harm themselves. Power is in students' hands."

Facebook, Myspace, Xanga and other social networking sites have the potential to distort a student's public image and adversely affect their quest for employment; but if students take steps to inform themselves and exercise caution in our online actions, these sites can continue their primary purpose. And then you can go back to feverishly posting photos, updating your status, messaging both strangers and friends, proclaiming your thoughts, and checking up on those around you without worrying about ruining some future employment opportunity. Now, for some, you may have to worry about getting so caught up that you miss class . but we'll save that for another article.