If you have a Facebook timeline, you might have noticed recently that the advertisements on your homepage have been suggestions based on what you have been looking at on other sites. It’s a bit creepy, right? This isn’t the first time that Facebook has been accused of taking away people’s privacy.
It’s scary to think that your personal information is being compromised. If you have a problem with your privacy being invaded, it seems like the smartest thing to do is delete your Facebook. But what if you are using Facebook to network?
Hopefully, the business you are interviewing with will make their hiring decision based on your skills, knowledge, and potential fit within the business. However, some companies like to look at social media sites to see who you are outside of work.
If you choose to network using your Facebook account, consider the following:
- Keep it professional: Check your Facebook for red flags that potential employees might see when looking at your timeline. Look through your photos, videos, and comments to make sure you look professional. Ask yourself–what do I want my future employee to see? Delete what you don’t want them to see, and make sure in the future to avoid posting that content altogether.
- Make your posts relevant: Post comments, links, and share articles that are relevant to your interests and potential jobs. Engage with others who are talking about relevant issues in your area of expertise. Share your knowledge.
- Consider your networking options: Facebook is known more for social networking, but professional networking sites like LinkedIn exist and might be a better fit for your networking.
- Change your privacy settings: As said above, Facebook’s privacy is lacking, but you should still make use of the privacy settings that Facebook does have. You can choose to not let the public see your tagged photos and posts on your timeline. You can also make your entire profile unsearchable. If you choose to do this, you will have to find and add potential employees as friends to connect and network.
Social media sites are useful for networking and can help you keep on top of trends and news, can help you find jobs and internships, and allow you to expand your network. Just keep an eye on your privacy.
For those of you who use Facebook (and other social media sites) to network, what are your thoughts on these privacy issues? Something you’d like to add? Feel free to contact us via the contact page of our site, or on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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