Social Network With Caution

By Aaron Boyce – Abworkshops – www.abworkshopsarethebest.com

Although social networking sites like www.facebook.com and www.myspace.com are very popular, they are also fraught with danger in the world of employment. Too often we lose our minds, our modesty, and our common sense over the Internet. We do and say things online that we would never do off-line. Posting risque pictures, making rude or opinionated comments, or including questionable friends and contacts can actually harm your chances of getting the job that you want. Even simple things like posting your hobbies or affiliations can be reason enough for an employer to disqualify you. Obviously most people put up these webpages for the fun and enjoyment without thought of the professional consequences. Unfortunately there seems to be a stigma among many businesspeople against these sites because they think the sites are too shallow, too immature, or smacks too much of fad-ism. I always tell my clients to either be very careful or do not do it at all. Instead, I recommend to my clients that they design and upload a more professional webpage that will actually help them get the job. There is a website that I do think highly of called linkedin at http://www.linkedin.com. It is much more conducive to the professional lifestyle.

Further, when posting a website, make sure that it is not password protected or a membership program. Think how many potential jobs you will lose if the employer cannot get in to explore your site. Think of how many opportunities you will lose by frustrating those who seek to employ you.

In this tech-savvy world, and in a world where lying on your resume is an almost acceptable thing to do, employers will use whatever they can to learn about the person that they will invest ample time and money to hire and train. Make sure that when they find you and your webpage, it will be a moment of pride for you both.

Aaron Boyce, founder of ABworkshops, national columnist for examiner.com, and author of four publications, travels across the country spreading his message of success through self-motivation and self-awareness. A stutterer since the age of nine, Aaron had overcome the pain of rejection, humiliation, and self-loathing to become a powerful, motivational, and dynamic speaker and trainer on the issues of career development and employment. His message, , has informed, inspired, and entertained thousands of motivated people nationwide. You can reach him at: aaron@abworkshops.com; www.abworkshopsarethebest.com; toll-free 1-866-745-6966.