Don't be embarrassed by your post that your horoscope came true. Or that your interests include Canadian Idol. Or your cottage country skinny-dipping caught on camera.
These Facebook shenanigans shouldn't hurt your employment prospects … in Germany. Legislation proposed last week to the German government could ban employers from viewing the social network accounts of job applicants because of privacy concerns.
Not that that's likely to happen here any time soon. Outside of Deutschland, consider your online profile an additional résumé. A survey from careerbuilder.com last year suggests 45 per cent of the hiring professionals who responded use social media to research job candidates - with 35 per cent finding grounds not to hire applicants based on profile page details.
But there are ways to use social media to your advantage. It's time to turn the tables on media-savvy bosses by social networking your way into a job before your profile blows your chances. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Profile the interviewer
Use your social networking prowess, says Torontonian Franke James, founder of the advice blog officepolitics.com. Anticipate that interviewers have researched you and do the same to them. Then, surprise them with knowledge of their own Facebook likes or an article they've linked to on Twitter, a resource Ms. James calls a "24-hour cocktail party where everyone is saying interesting things." She calls this a crucial networking strategy prior to meeting in person.
Say: "I found the article you linked to on best small business practices incredibly helpful."
Don't say: "I noticed in your Facebook photo No. 157 that you used to have a mustache. They make most guys look like a perv, but it's a good look for you."
Beware policy
Glen Grant, a partner at Vancouver-based HRfx consulting, advises companies to develop a social networking policy, with provisions outlining its use in the workplace and as a guideline for hiring practices and for employee conduct. If you want to work for the company, find out about their policy online or through the human resources department. Bonus: You will appear very knowledgeable if it comes up in the interview.
Say: "I see you've found some interesting ways to incorporate online networking into your corporate events calendar."
Don't say: "You know, you're pretty strict about your policy on using personal e-mail at work. You don't really expect us to only check work e-mails, do you?"
Know your friends
Wade through your contacts in search of job titles similar to the position you are applying for and ask for advice or connections from your peers. Mr. Grant notes that some job applicants have searched and found friends already employed at the company they've applied to. Name dropping or asking friends to put in a good word isn't a guarantee, but it can build your reputation.
Say: "I notice you recently promoted a colleague I've worked with in the past. I would welcome the opportunity to work with her again. We have a similar work ethic and strategy for project management."
Don't say: "I was once in a secret society with your manager of finance. But I can't tell you anything more."
Post with caution
OMFG Im sooo nervous abt job intvw 2mrw!!!! is probably not a wise Facebook status. Poor communication skills were cited as one of the top reasons not to hire on the careerbuilder.com survey. Liza Lee, a Vancouver-based Web marketing strategist, says her social networks are part of her portfolio, and she avoids what she calls the "I just partied till 5 a.m." post. It's paid off. Clients approach Ms. Lee with offers based strictly on her online presence. No application process necessary, she says, "just a link to my portfolio."
Good status: It's 3 a.m., but no sleep in sight. Have to get this project report in on time.
Questionable status: It's 3 a.m. I am going to be so hung over tomorrow.
Be two-faced
If you can't resist posting work-unfriendly photos and gossiping with poor grammar on your home page, at least divide and conquer with two profiles: a professional and a personal account.
Post: Here is a link to my portfolio, with contact information from clients who can speak to the quality of my work. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
Don't post: Here is a list of the eighties Brit pop bands I feel are underappreciated, in alphabetical order. Message me for comments.