Exercise caution at social networking sites

 Millions of people log on everyday to social networking sites. They are responding to the magnetic pull that forces them to get online.  Through photos, tweets, wall post, profile updates and more they invite the world into their life.

Unfortunately the information shared on these websites is not always kept private. Something as simple as typing a person's name into a search engine like Google, can compromise things users would like to keep private. 

 There is a  good chance potential employers will use these websites to view the "real you."

Having a Facebook account or Twitter account is good if you use them responsibly. It is important to remember that the consequences of using these social media sites can have a lasting effect.

Employers should never feel like they do not want to interview you.  Do not give them a reason to dislike you, by posting inappropriate pictures or making inappropriate statements.  Refrain from talking about how intoxicated you were at the club the weekend before or discussing plans that should be kept private.

The pictures, comments and wall posts should reflect a positive you. 

Employers use these web sites to weed out people who are not serious or who are not portraying a lifestyle that will represent the company well. Honestly, it makes sense. If they are going to invest in you, they need to know you will not bring unnecessary confrontations to the work place.

 Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with experiencing life and having a good time, but there are always limits and boundaries.

When you decide to post comments, pictures and statuses adjust your privacy settings. Make sure only your closest friends or followers can see everything. People who do not know you should only have access your basic information. It's like this: When you fill out a job application you only give the employer the information that pertains to the job. Your evening plans or last night's rendezvous are not important.

If you use Facebook, log on and click on the privacy settings tab. This will allow you to choose who can see and what they can view on your profile. 

Twitter offers a similar option, which gives you the opportunity to allow certain people to read your tweets.

 Remove those photos where there is more skin showing than clothes, information that talks about your interest in illegal substances and any other things that could potentially harm your chances for employment.

Put yourself in the employer's shoe. And ask yourself, "What would you find disturbing or offensive?"

 If you are going to use social media air on the side of caution.