Job Search FAQ

The personal profiles, groups, blogs and other features of MySpace help its users look for jobs. If you use this social networking site for this purpose, make sure that everything you post is appropriate. After all, many employers and recruiters check the Internet for information about prospective candidates, and MySpace is one of the sites they immediately check. Some employers use MySpace to scope out candidates. Through the site, they get a good idea about the person and his or her communication skills.

Many companies, big and small, have MySpace profiles. They use their profiles to look for potential new hires. Even if the company is traditional, once on MySpace it takes on a youthful language in order to relate to the younger generation that uses the networking site. The company also communicates through blogs, videos, email, and instant messaging. Paper resumes are outdated; everything can be done speedily online. Employers set up profiles to generate the interest of prospective employees. They also actively seek applicants. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of what you post online. It just might cost you a job. Make sure that your profile is appropriate when it comes to content, language, and pictures. Employers do not want to hire someone who does not come across as professional. Make sure that your profile is free of the following warning signals that may deter employers:

• References to drunken behavior, drug use, or theft.
• Sexually explicit information.
• Racist or sexist comments.
• Falsified information and claims.
• Misleading information about your marital status or physical appearance.
• Contradictions with the information on your resume.
• Negative comments about your current or past jobs.

Besides using your profile to market yourself, you can also use the MySpace Jobs section, which is powered by SimplyHired to look for a job. There are all kinds of jobs available, and you can search for them by location and keyword. You can also post your resume for others to see. When it comes to an online resume, make sure that it does not include your social security numbers, phone numbers, street address, salary history, and irrelevant hobbies. Make sure that your resume displays your professionalism. Due to the popularity of MySpace, a huge number of people can potentially view it. Make sure it is up to par.

Since you can use MySpace for your job search in many different ways, you need to be very careful. Follow these tips to make the process smoother and more efficient:

• Do not post anything that might embarrass you.
• Step into the shoes of an employer or recruiter and make sure that they would like what they see on your profile.
• When you write something, make sure that you will be proud of it ten years from now.
• Use a head shot for your picture.
• Make sure your profile emphasizes your career.
• Set the privacy settings for personal information to “private.”
• Blog about your employment goals.