Recommendations to protect your privacy online:
- Check your settings on your profile.
You can choose to limit access to those who can view your entire profile. This will maintain a sense of control over the information employers might access online.
- How personal is too personal.
Employers accessing the information may develop preconceived ideas about you which could affect their decision to interview you. More and more people are looking to promote and find jobs (internships) via social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIN so it's important to use this very powerful tool wisely.
- Use pictures wisely.
If you want to include pictures on your social networking site (and most people do) avoid pictures depicting partying and alcohol or any other discriminating behaviors.
- Be sure to include your accomplishments, knowledge and skills on your site.
Use your site to build on your personal attributes and accomplishments. Include things such as: internships, volunteer experiences, sports, honors, specific skills (foreign languages, art, music). Anything that promotes your interests, especially if they relate to your internship search, should be included on the site as well.
- Make an Informed Decision.
Even if you've already started an internship be mindful of what and how much information you post online. You still want to create a professional image for your employer and co-workers to see so be careful of what you post online even if you are not currently looking for an internship.
In 2008 a member survey taken by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 34% of those surveyed currently use
social networking sites to recruit potential applicants, while 19% more said that they planned on using them in the future.
According to Alison Rosenblum, co-owner of Strategic Resources in Albany, NY, "If a recruiter comes across your profile, there's a risk they'll judge you based on information that's not relevant to your job". She also went on to say, "it shouldn't be relevant, but it is". That's why it's important to use social networking sites to your avantage by making sure that the information that employers can see depicts you in a favorable manner.