By MARVIN WALBERG
Scripps Howard News Service
I enjoy Facebook. It's a very convenient way to stay in touch with my children who are in three states, and to share ideas, opinions, photos and news with friends. Because of Facebook, I have reconnected with college and high-school friends I haven't seen in many years. I also use Twitter from time to time, and I'm not sure how I would get along without e-mail. All three, as well as MySpace and several other social-networking Web sites globally, are wonderful tools for job searchers to use to spread their messages and network for opportunities.
But beware. Potential employers have access to these sites as well, and you can bet your bottom dollar they will check you out electronically before making any hiring decisions. I'm not trying to frighten you, just make you aware, as I have many times in the past, that what you post on the Web stays on the Web and can be read by anyone clever enough to know how to find it. Human-resources managers are clever, believe me!
Play it serious and safe
Starting with your e-mail address, keep your cutesy name, but get another address for business and job-search purposes and make the name simple, like your initials or name, like mine, mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net. If you want to keep hotmammafromtexas, or bamadaddy3, have fun, but get another address for serious communication with potential employers. It will make a difference.
Keep it cool
I have a Facebook friend who loves to start controversies. He'll pick a hot topic like politics -- or, in Alabama, college football -- and then make a statement that is obviously going to ruffle feathers just to start something and watch the results. It's fun, but he's not looking for a job. If he were, he would be finding trouble rather than just starting some for fun. Be careful what you post on the Web. It could come back to slap you in the face.
Watch yourself online
The Internet can be the job searcher's best friend for finding useful information. You can find employers; learn about company cultures, goals, expectations, names and titles of hiring authorities, and much more. If you don't believe the power and reach of the Internet, simply Google your own name or telephone number.
