Beware: Too Much Sharing on Social Networking Sites Might Hinder Your Job Search

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have been noted for their great ability to help you acquire a job. Whether you’re networking with individuals you met on these sites, friends you already had, or using tools and applications they offer, you can find a ton of great opportunities this way.

However, there can be a downside to using these sites. Many find that in their decision to socially network both personally and professionally, they might share a bit too much information – so much, in fact, that they share their way right out of candidacy. If you don’t want this to be you then take a few minutes to learn how you might avoid this potential pitfall.

Try to Refrain from Discussing Your Job Searches

If you’re used to sharing your status updates with your online buddies every 30 minutes, then while you’re in the midst of a job search, you might want to consider keeping your job search details out. For instance, if you just interviewed with Covidien for a pharmaceutical position, you might not want to mention on your Facebook status update that you just finished interviewing for Covidien where you encountered the worst interviewer of your life.

While it may be true, you don’t want a Covidien representative to see your page and throw you out of contingency. Though you may be used to – or even relied upon for – quirky, off-beat comments, in the middle of your job search, it’s important to carefully choose what you write.

Keep Politics Talk to a Minimum

Another touchy subject that could result in you cutting yourself out of a job you really want is politics. While it’s true that you should be able to discuss your views on politics on your own profile, if you’re sharing this profile with others – namely professionals in a position to hire you – you are running the risk of offending them.

For instance, you may be in strong opposition to gay marriage; however, if you voice this in an open fashion where hiring managers can view it, you might set yourself up to offend someone who not only believes in it, but has a relative who was badly abused for being gay. You never know what topics could touch a nerve with someone, so if you know yours is taboo, you might want to stay away from it while in the midst of a job search, and even after you’re hired, to play it safe.

Try Separate Profiles

Because all major social networking sites are free to join, it’s not a bad idea to create two separate accounts: one for personal use, and one to be used exclusively for your job searches. The one you use for your job searches can include your real name, work and educational background, and other information you want recruiters to know about you. Then, for your personal account, you can use a nickname; one that can’t easily be traced back to you.

The hard part about seeking jobs with the help of social networking is that it can sometimes come back to bite you in the “you know what”. So as you pursue your job search, it’s good to carefully monitor your profiles to make sure you don’t “share” yourself out of a dream job.