Social media are producing opportunities for embarrassment that never existed when I was starting out. Back then, you could sing a chorus of 'We built this city on rock and roll' after inhaling a balloonful of helium at an office party (like I did) and the humiliation would only last a week or so. Now everyone has a cell phone camera and video and is eager to share your drunken missteps with all your colleagues and friends on Facebook. And the internet is forever. It may have seemed like a good idea to flash Girls Gone Wild when you were a freshman but now HR depts are routinely searching the web and social media sites before they make job offers. Or maybe you love that team photo of your 'Suck My Kick' kickball team, but how will your boss feel when she finds it online? And that video of you hugging the toilet may not leave the impression you want. Good luck getting your old roommate to take down the videos.
So, let's be a little careful in the future, hah? Try not to get into those Lindsay Lohan moments, or at least not get photographed. You have a reputation to preserve.
Here's a link to a good blog on how companies check your rep online, and what they can and can't look for.
And it's not just before you get a job that you have to be careful. Once you're employed never, never, ever complain about your boss or your job online. Sure, you think your comments are private, but remember that sometimes friends of friends can see your post. So when you post 'My boss is a complete idiot' and one of your friends 'likes' this, one of her friends might know your boss and then you are screwed. Don't use the internet to vent about your job; use your cellphone (and make sure you're in a place where you won't be overheard).
Short of changing your name, what can you do? Well, changing your name isn't a bad idea. Make sure you separate your online identities. You can have Doug Kalish for your business friends, acquaintances, and Mom and Dad. Set up Crazy Doug for your friends and make sure you add people to the right account. And make sure you post to the right account too. Google+ makes this a little easier with circles (with FB you use Groups). You can put people in multiple circles and even envision it as a series of expanding circles. Put your Closest Friends in one circle. Put them and the other friends in Friends. Put all of them plus your family in Friends and Family. Put everyone into Everyone. Now you can announce your promotion to Everyone, but just your collegehumor.com photo your Closest Friends.
Got any other suggestions? Leave them in the Comments below.
