Social Networking Sites...always bad for careers?

Question

I've read some articles on the web about how people get turned down for jobs (or lose their jobs) because of finding certain things on the myspace or other profiles of a candidate / employee. For example, finding out things that make the candidate or employee seem immature in some way.

So...my question is...

What if you have a myspace or some other social networking profile, and you keep it clean (image and text-wise)...will employers not be bothered by it? Or is it partly that having a profile on a social networking site is just generally looked down on?

That's true, but I guess I also mean when someone's employer has their email on file, and the social networking site can be looked up the email address. If the employer doesn't see anything that's worth firing them over (or not hiring to begin with if it's a job candidate).

Any thoughts on whether the issue of employers judging people over social networking sites is or isn't like telling people what they can and can't do in some of their free time?

Answer 1

That's not necessarily true. When I got hired at my current job, I had a myspace account. In that account I included pictures of myself drinking. Of course, I am underage. This in no way affected my employment. However, this depends on the content and context of the information provided. As long as you don't provide any information on -- 1) Who you are 2) How old you are 3) And what activities you are partaking in. -- A regular background check would not pull anything up of that sort. If you keep the profile clean (no profanity, no nude pictures, that kind of thing) you should be pretty safe.

Answer 2

I think that social networking sites encourage the right behavior - using your personal network to learn new things. Career oriented sites work in much the same way, however, the networks built through these may prove even more beneficial in the long run. These sites are really good for shy types who really are interested in learning more about an industry or job.

Answer 3

Just don't keep your full name on it, there you go!