Watch What You Say in Social Media

My friend John Fox, The Golden Rule Guy posted an interesting link today that reiterated the point that a whopping 91% of employers are using social media to screen perspective employees. He also stressed that what you post is out there for all to see. Please check out his blog – it is very thought provoking.

John’s post got me thinking not only of the employment process but also of the thousands of high school kids who are right now applying to colleges. Our family went through the college application process last year around this time of year. We had to remind our son that he had to be careful of his Facebook posts and pictures. It’s very easy for a college to look up someone. Even if the security setting protects the “Wall”, the pictures may be open for all to see. Is a college going to think highly of someone with a beer in their hand or openly displaying ummm, affection for someone? And while we’re on the subject, remind your kids that if they leave their Facebook or Twitter pages open and walk away, one of their friends may think it’s funny to write something really gross or inappropriate on the page. I’m probably preaching to the choir here but this is something you may want to stress to your children.

Of course the same rules apply to the internships and the job search. It’s best to look at your profile and ask yourself if based on what you see, you would hire yourself. If anything there makes you question yourself; take it down. While you are at it, take a look at your friend’s posts. If there is anything inappropriate and it shows on your wall, hide it (go to the post and towards the upper right of it, you’ll see a small downward facing arrow. Click it and then click Hide Story).

With social media our words and actions are out there for anyone to see. It’s hard enough to find a job or get accepted to a choice college as it is. Why mess around with it because of something you or someone else posted to a social media outlet?

Clean Up Your Facebook Kids

Our son went off to college a few weeks ago. He’s a freshman and while his school isn’t too far away, he’s living on campus and loving his new life. The other day, much to my surprise, he ‘friended” me on Facebook. While I wasn’t sure that I wanted to know about his comings and goings, I was, well, honored and felt it was a huge step in his maturity. I looked at his posts and his pictures and luckily, all was above board and there wasn’t too much to worry about. I did worry about his friends though. I was surprised that I was able to look at the pictures and status of many of his friends; those still in high school as well as those in college. As a job search coach, that really bothered me (the Mom in me was really annoyed).

Most of the pictures are of underage drinking. First of all, that’s illegal. It’s wrong and as parents we need to monitor our kids and not close our eyes to what is going on right under our noses. There are plenty of resources out there for help in this area. I personally feel strongly about this subject and don’t have much empathy for parents who throw up their hands and say that there is nothing that they can do about it.

Since this is a job search blog though, I asked myself if the high school kids realize that the admissions counselor at the college they want to attend can look at those pictures. If I can easily look up a name, couldn’t a college or a potential employer? Also, how do the college kids who want to get an internship, summer job or a “real” job expect to get any employment offers if they are only depicted as partying?

First of all stop with all the partying (especially if you’re in high school). Next, correct your security options on your social media accounts. Most people age 25+ are aware of this and have corrected their settings. The younger crowd, who is supposedly much more technically savvy, are posting their pages and pictures out there for the whole world to see. Perhaps it doesn’t mean anything to them now but it should.

Facebook and Change- Part 2

As someone who has casually and non-scientifically studied human behavior for many years as a learning and development specialist, I know that most people don’t like unexplained change. I have a theory about all of the complaints surrounding the new Facebook updates.

Huge social networking groups like Facebook, Google and Twitter were founded by members of Gen X (born in the early 1960s to late 1970s) and Gen Y (born late 1970s to early 2000s). Facebook founder, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg was born in 1984. Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter was born in 1976 and the creators of Google, Larry Page, Sergey Brin were born in the early 70’s. These generations, especially Gen Y were brought up on technology. Since they were born into a world of computers, cell phones, computer games they are much more technically savvy than any other generation.

The demographics concerning Facebook show that over the past two years there has been an increasing amount of new members who are in the 35 – 50+ age range. One of the fastest growing demographics in 2009 showed that women aged 55+ grew over 175.3%! (The Baby Boomer generation). Since many Boomers are generally less technically astute than the demographic of the Facebook management and staff, it might explain the complaints and uproar over the new layout. Perhaps for future roll-outs, the company reviews its own statistics and considers other methods of communication and introduction. Maybe Basic Marketing 101 is a good place to start.

To link this sentiment to the job search, everyone, including Baby Boomers need to be aware of and keep up with the changes and advances made in business and technology. This will help cancel the stereotype that Boomers aren’t flexible.

Facebook and Handling Change

I had to laugh this morning when I saw the new changes to Facebook. It seems as if they are changing things on a regular basis lately. I complained on my status box as well because it’s annoying trying to figure out how to do certain things all over again. It made me think about how we handle change and how people handle things differently; just like my Kittie and the Cone post from the other day. Let’s take a quick look at the Seven Dynamics of Change, from Ken Blanchard again, only this time inserting Facebook as the change agent rather than the fancy cat neck wear. When first introduced to a change people are:
1. Awkward and ill at ease
a. How the he** am I supposed to figure out this?
b. Am I the only one who is feeling frustrated over this new layout?
2. Think first of what they must give up
a. Now everyone will see my updates.
b. There goes my privacy.
c. I’ll miss the old Facebook.
3. Feel alone although others are also going through the change too
a. 750 million people use Facebook. Am I the only one who is annoyed at this?
b. Am I the only person who can’t figure out how to get rid of these side boxes?
4. Can handle only so much
a. Enough already! Quit with the changes!
5. They are at different readiness levels for change
a. I love this!
b. I hate this!
c. Who cares?
6. Are concerned about resources
a. I don’t have time to figure this out.
b. I don’t have the energy to figure this out.
7. Will revert back to their old ways when the pressure is lessened.
a. In a heartbeat. Leave a good thing alone!

We're only human and we're all in this together!

Networking and Hurricane Irene

It has been three days since Hurricane Irene hit New Jersey. While the New Jersey coastline was severely damaged in many spots, at the last minute Irene veered to the left and caused major havoc in central and northern NJ, NY, and New England. Before she started blowing and while we still had electricity, I joined a Facebook group called, Jersey Shore Hurricane News, a group created by three men who provide "up-to-the-minute news and original analysis to keep you informed during the approach of tropical systems. We're currently focusing on Hurricane Irene." The Jersey Shore Hurricane group grew to over 25,000 members and many of them have joined the conversation and contributed the kind of instant detail that can't be found on TV or on the radio.

Throughout the storm I looked to the group for information about the current weather conditions, flooded neighborhoods and lightning strikes. Then, when our power went out and I switched to my Blackberry, I learned that my downtown had flooded and evacuations had started. Today, three days later I am still reading reports about road closures and detours, lost pets, water stations, member clothing donations, evacuation center needs, locations where the power has been restored and many stories of neighbor helping neighbor. The Jersey Shore Hurricane Group also provides details concerning all of our hard hit state.

This, my friends is the true definition of networking; listening, sharing, responding and commenting. It is helping someone else by providing information that you know they need and can immediately use. It is giving without expecting to receive something in return. It is in essence, the very "human" part of human nature.

Hometown Facebook Pages Go Viral

Have you noticed all of the “You know you’re from (insert name of town) when…” Facebook groups popping up? Every day I see that another one of my friends has joined one and has joyfully jumped into the local conversation. I’m not excluding myself because I’m right in there sharing memories about my favorite beaches or the Firemen’s Fairs we attended or the best pizza or subs joints on the Jersey shore. Why are these groups appearing so suddenly and why all of the happy talk? I’ve got a couple of theories.

The sky is falling. Last week the stock market plunged, the unemployment numbers barely budged, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the US credit rating to A++ (an historical slap in the face) and our US representatives were arguing and taunting each other like school kids. Who wouldn’t want to forget all the nastiness in the world and go back to a time when we were young, foolish and rode our bikes until it was "dark o'clock"? The teachers, friendships and the songs are the comfort foods that we long to devour when the world is going to hell in a hand basket outside our very windows.

Social media has made is so much easier to connect. I can remember my father calling for telephone information in Iowa, Colorado and California looking for the phone numbers of his former Army buddies. When he was able to get one of the guys “on the horn” they reminisced about the old days and the mischief they caused and even the dangers they faced. They hugged one another over the phones lines and promised to get together at one of the annual reunions. If my dad was around now, I’m sure that he’d be Googling every name in his address book or joining a Facebook group devoted to Army World War II or Korean War veterans.

Since this is a job search column, I don’t need to tell you that these groups are also building up your networking contacts. Relationships are being re-established and new ones are created. Our shared memories are a bridge. By the way, some groups are allowing the members to post their business names in a separate document. I applaud those groups because they are allowing the members to network professionally and hopefully help someone with any employment needs. NOTE: It’s rude to advertise your company name in a Facebook group without asking the administrator for permission first. It silences the group members and makes people very uncomfortable.

Whatever the reason for joining one of these hometown groups, enjoy them. If you find that they aren’t for you, you can always leave them. I know that for now, I am going to stick around mine and enjoy the conversation.

Hide Your Facebook Pictures!

My son is in a band and the other night his band loaded a new song to their Facebook page. He asked me to go over and take a listen. While I was listening to the new song, I scrolled through the comments of the band’s friends and followers and took a look at the pictures of the band members. I clicked on my son’s name and it took me to his personal Facebook page pictures. Since I am not my son’s Facebook friend (nor would I want to be), I couldn’t see his regular Facebook page. I could however, see his pictures and those of many of his friends.

Many of us are warned in job search articles and trainings to change our Facebook Privacy Settings to make sure that only the basic facts appear. If not set correctly, a recruiter may click on your pictures (like I did) and see things that may give him or her a negative opinion about you. Since people make comments under those pictures, a recruiter (and your mother) can read those too. If a technically savvy 18 year old and many of his friends aren’t aware of this, you can bet that many other people are sharing their pictures and comments with the world as well.

Here is how to correct it:
1. Go to Account (upper right hand side of the screen by the login box).
2. Click Privacy Settings.
3. Review the page, “Choose Your Privacy Settings” and make sure that the term, “Photos and videos you are tagged in” is set to Friends only.
4. Click the phrase, “Edit privacy setting for existing photos albums and videos”. This takes you to all of your pictures. Under each set of pictures is a rectangular box with a diagram of a lock on it. Set the box to Friends Only.
5. Click the box that says “Preview my Profile”, review your changes and you are finished.

Whether you're job searching not; it's better to be safe and secure knowing that only your friends can see your pictures.

Using Facebook for Your Job Search

The other night I gave a Networking training session as part of a job search series at a local library. With the unemployment rate still so high and the percentage of jobs found through networking (over 85%) soaring as well, networking is still the very best way to find a job.

One of the topics tackled was using social media to network.  It’s interesting; since the class participants ranged in age from the 20s to retirement, I could tell from the body language who was comfortable using it and who would rather network the old-fashioned way.  Once we looked at some of the statistics though, it started to sink in. According to a 2011 survey from Jobvite, Inc., this year 80% of the companies’ surveyed plan to recruit through social networking. Add to that, the very low percent of success of finding a job through job boards, well…. it makes sense to jump on the social media train. Let’s look at Facebook.  How can you find a job on Facebook?  Here are a couple of hints.

1.  Tell your contacts that you are looking.  If you announce that you are looking for a specific type of position in your status line, you are going to get many comments back from your pool of contacts. Also ask your friends to tell their friends. Clean up your profile, add contact information and update your friends on your progress. By the way, I looked at the number of contacts that the average person in their twenties has.  The average number ranges between 500 and 1000! That’s a lot of friends which may equate to a lot of networking contacts.

2.  Start a professional Facebook group and refer your contacts and their contacts to it. Here you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile and your other professional information (such as any blogs that you may have created). Add links to interesting articles in your field and encourage discussion with these. NOTE: Facebook group comments can be found in a Google search so make sure the content is ALWAYS professional.

3.   Look for contacts by typing in the company name. You may find company pages, groups and general information containing names.

4.   Look for job specific groups: Look for your job type and “Like” that group. Comment, ask questions and let them know that you are looking for a position.

5.  Search for employment agencies.

6.  Create a Facebook Ad: For a fee, you can create an advertisement about you and your strengths/skill set.

Anything else? Please add to the list. What has worked for you?

New Facebook Page

Come on over and "Like" my new Facebook business page, Blackbird Learning Associates.  I post links and articles dealing with the job search on a daily basis.  Sometimes I link to this page/blog but the content and the contacts over on Facebook are different. I am always looking for new content and suggestions so please feel free to speak up here or over there.  Thanks and looking forward to seeing you.

New! Facebook Business Page.

Facebook is one of a number of growing trends to focus on you and your job search. More and more adults are using it to stay in touch, communicate with friends and family, market their businesses and yes, find a job. 

I started a job search Facebook group a while back.  I wasn't familiar with all of bells and whistles of Facebook back then and should have created a business page rather than a group.  I've since created a business page that includes a number of articles or links that may be helpful in your job search. Please come by, click the "Like" button and join in the conversation.

Using Social Media for Your Development

When I was working full time with an organization, I never thought about social media. I guess it’s the same for most people steaming ahead at their respective workplaces. If someone asked to connect on LinkedIn I usually put it off because I was too busy doing something.  Plus, I didn't really know how it worked.  It meant that I would have to create a LinkedIn page, something that I didn't think I had the time or energy to do. Then I thought, "Hummmm, is that person leaving their job and letting people know that they're looking?"

Fast forward a couple of years, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Xing and other sites are common place and yes, people are using them to find a job. It’s been splashed all over the place that networking, including social networking brings up to 85% of new jobs. What I never knew back then, is how helpful social media is in keeping up with the newest trends, technology and even buzz words in the industry. There are groups for everything and if a free membership to LinkedIn allows you up to 50 groups, then why not take advantage of them? Here is how I see social media helping both the employed and the active job seeker:

1. If you work full time, it is sometimes hard to keep up with current findings in your field.  You're either too busy putting out fires, creating something, servicing something, attending meetings, etc. While you are toiling away for those 8 - 10 hours a day, your field is changing. By joining a couple of LinkedIn groups or on-line professional discussion groups, you can read/learn/speak of the current opportunities in your industry.  Here's an exmple.  For years I was the only learning and development specialist in my organizational unit of 4,000 employees. I didn't have anyone to bounce ideas off or share tips. I just designed, developed and plowed ahead. Attending a conference was eye opening since there were hundreds of other professionals just like me! I always came home refreshed, energized and excited to try something new.  The same can be said about social media (without the trip to Orlando). The ideas, concepts and sharing are energizing and you can apply tips and share the results immediately.

2. If you are actively seeking work, your deep understanding of the current state of your field and industry can only help you. Your ability to speak comfortably about your past use of certain skills and the future outlook for certain technology, services, and your particular area of expertise will not disappoint.

3. As an independent contractor these same strategies hold true.  Why work in a vacuum when you can research, share information and stay on top of your industry?

Times are rapidly changing and within the past few years social media has become more common.  By taking advantage of it, you can stay current and active and feel as if your are making a contribution.

Job Search for Moms Facebook Group

A while ago I created a Facebook Group called Job Search for Moms. I thought I would provide some job search tips related to the topics in my book. Since moms aren't the only people looking for jobs these days, the Group provides job search topics and suggestions for anyone from grad to dad. Please join us and jump into the conversation.
The link is Job Search for Moms on Facebook. I hope I get to see you there!