Online Social Networks – Appropriate Information
Useful Tools For Both Recent Graduates and Seasoned Job Hunters
Sep 15, 2009
With the recent proliferation of privacy issues on internet social networks, CareerAdvice sought out the opinions of those working directly in this field. Clint Page is CEO of Dotster.com, a leading Internet services company that is authorized to provide .tel domains at www.dotster.com.Read the first installment of the interview on Online Social Networking.
(CareerAdvice): What are the most useful tools for online social networking out there today?
(ClintPage): Facebook® and LinkedIn® are useful for personal and professional networking, respectively. Groups on both of these services enable you to easily plug into topical discussions and find new contacts. Some businesses also have online community sites tailored to their customers. This can be a very effective way to expand your network of customers, colleagues and employees. We help companies build their own user communities with our Dotster ConnectSM solution. Also, don’t forget offline associations tailored to your profession or location.
What Information Should be on an Online Social Network, and What Information Should Not
(CA): How safe is the information a client puts on the Web?
(CP): Generally speaking, if you really don’t want someone to see it, don’t put it on the Web.
With a .tel address, you choose what information to make public and what to protect. The security of your private information is protected behind a double wall consisting of a login and a “friending” mechanism. Regardless if they have their own .tel, everyone who wants to see the data you’ve marked private has to log in and be your “friend” before they have access to your information.
(CA): What kind of information should, and more importantly, shouldn’t be placed on the social network site?
(CP): It depends on the person’s goals. If it is to augment a search for employment, then I feel it’s best to post information that gives potential employers a sense of who you are professionally and personally. This can include relevant experiences and accomplishments, activities that show a breadth of skills, and personal items that demonstrate positive attributes, such as work ethic and integrity.
Entries that demean another person or organization are not suggested, especially if related to your place of employment. From a security standpoint, any personally identifiable information, such as your social security number, driver’s license number, full birthday and birth place, should never be put on a social networking site. This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised.
Why Use .Tel?
(CA): You’ve mentioned .tel – why would a graduate find this appropriate or an attractive alternative to what’s already out there? How could a grad use .tel to maximize exposure to potential job offers?
(CP): .Tel provides a consistent, easy way for potential employers to reach you. All they have to remember is your address, often “YourName.tel,” and they have access to any of the contact information you choose to show, including your phone number. Jobs in this economy go fast, and a phone call (with guaranteed real-time, two-way interaction) can be the speediest method of contact.
In addition, .tel enables you to store keywords within the profile, offering a great way to summarize key qualifications and areas of interest that is searchable and geo-aware. It’s among the easiest ways for potential employers to find and contact you.
(CA): Do you feel this tool is more suited to recent graduates than someone more established and trying to change careers?
(CP): A .tel address is suited for both, as it ensures people you know always know how to contact you.
Bottom Line
Make sure the online social network used provides for choice of control of information revealed, and can easily be changed or updated as needed or wanted. Keep personal information personal. If it demeans anyone in any way, it is doubtful it should be on the web. A .tel domain is useful for both recent graduates and seasoned job seekers as it provides the user with control on who has access to what information.
Note: the photo of Clint Page was first published in the Portland Business Journal on Feb. 20, 2009. Used with permission from Dotster.com
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