They're Researching Me Too??
The Truth about Employers and Internet Networking Sites
Alisha Watson
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 2 next >
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 risqué 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.
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 risqué 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.
Be the first to comment on this story