Letche Blog » Social Behavior

Can social networking help you get a job?

Paulette — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:44:53 +0000

Just like your resume doesn’t get you a job. Nor do your references, your mother or standing on a street corner holding a sign. Only you and the overall impression you make can get you your next position.

I see your eyes rolling.

But if you’re like most people, you’re not acting like you know that. You’re acting like you think that by having your information “out there” you will be discovered.

Social networking services that let you instantaneously share information are well worth discussing. But let’s talk about what they realistically can do for your career and some nifty tricks of the trade to make it worth your while.

Essentially social networking can help you: 1. Increase your odds of being found among zillions of others; 2. Give you a giant platform for enhancing your reputation; 3. Meet others; and 4. Learn about companies and potential openings… Read more

Is your Social Networking Profile at Risk?

Paulette — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:24:13 +0000

Social-networking sites, such as Facebook and Myspace, have become a part of everyday life for teens and adults alike. A recent study warns to be mindful of what is posted on the public sites.

According to a study by Career builder, 45 percent of employers now use these sites as a way to research potential job candidates. This is up from the 22 percent in a similar study last year, who stated they used the sites.

The study states that 29 percent use Facebook to screen jobseekers, 26 percent look at LinkedIn and another 21 percent view potential job candidates on Myspace.

More than 2,600 hiring managers participated in the study. Fifty-three percent of potential job candidates were rejected because of unsavory photographs posted on personal sites. Another 44 percent were turned away due to comments posted about drug use or drinking. Another 35 percent cited putting down previous employers, co-workers or clients, and 20 percent turned applicants away for sharing confidential information from previous employers. On the other hand, the sites can provide helpful information in some situations.

According to the study, networking sites can be a good place to advertise one’s skills. Some employers stated that after reviewing the public networking sites they hired candidates because they showed creativity, good communication skills, and provided a good feel for the candidate’s personality…Read more

Reality check on social networking sites – How they can make or break your career

Paulette — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:13:43 +0000

Facebook, Twitter, MySpace are three of the most well-known social networking websites that have captured the attention of millions of persons all around the world.

Many persons tend to view their social networking activity as a leisure or a hobby that has no direct link to their jobs or careers.

The reality is, however, that social media has become the latest job seeking and recruitment tool.

Unfortunately, this means that it has also become the latest way for people to get reprimanded or embarrassed at work or, worse, fired…

Today, many employers especially those overseas, use the Internet – including search engine Google – to research potential or current employees….Read More

A Social Kid or a Social Mishap?

Paulette — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:36:47 +0000

Do you know what your child’s profile looks like? Going through demography a good amount of the audience on social networks are youths. They spend a considerable amount of time hooking up and catching up with friends on their favorite social sites. It is not uncommon to post interesting content that is shared among real friends and “acquired online” friends.

Unfortunately most teens have gone beyond the boundary to post very personal details on their profile. Unknowing most teens have shared very personal information that could be used for probable abuse. Researchers concluded that almost 54 percent of the profiles they scanned on MySpace contained information on risky behavior, with 24 percent referencing sexual behavior, 41 percent referring to substance abuse and 14 percent posting violent information.

Social networking isn’t unsafe in it’s self but as safe as social sites might seem its use should be cautioned. Information posted over the internet is visible to public viewing and not left out are profiles on social networks. Further research has shown that unguided use of these trendy services could lead to a lot of dangers. Guardians and parents should guide their younger teens on appropriate use of social networks to reap great benefits than sorrows.

-Paulette