Social Networks and Jobhunting

Who looks at your site?

• Employers and recruiters often check out people online to see if their applications are truthful and whether there is more information about them on the web than they have supplied in their CV or application letter
• What will they find out about you if they search on Facebook or similar? If you find things that you'd prefer an employer not to see (such as drunken party photos)  - either on your own or others sites - take steps to remove them
• Some subjects/views are best avoided on your social web profile (and also where you comment or are mentioned on other people's sites) as they might give the wrong impression to someone who doesn't know you

Check the privacy settings on your social network accounts and think about what you want to be public and what you'd prefer to be private between you, close friends and family.

Once you get that job, remember that some employers keep tabs on their employees' social web activities - saying something negative about the company or people who work there, for instance, could end in you being asked to leave.

Internet safety

• Be careful with your personal details. Don't publish your CV publically on the web with your full contact details
• If you receive unexpected job offers, with large salaries, from people you don't know, for jobs you've not applied for, it's most likely spam or some kind of scam
• Don't arrange to meet people that you've only met through a discussion forum or social website

Making the most of social networks

• The people in your social network are an invaluable source of help, advice and referrals when it comes to finding out more about job opportunities
• Start a blog in your real name and write about topics which reflect your work/career interests. The more articles you write, the more frequently you will appear in search results for your name
• Ask or answer questions in Q&A sites like Yahoo answers or within Linkedin. This type of activity can help you to promote yourself and your interests, and link you to others with similar interests in your chosen industry