Keep in mind that whatever you post (pictures, videos, status updates, tweets, links, etc.) will be public. Friends, friends of friends, and people in your networks may have access to this. If you are connected to someone, they will be able to share your information with others.
Update your information frequently. Got a new internship? Post it. Taking an interesting class? Tell people about it.
Be cautious when connecting with people without a reason or with those whom you don’t know. By connecting with someone online, you are, in some way, endorsing them. If you can’t say good things about a connection or vice versa, it might be wise to steer clear of a virtual connection.
Maintain an awareness of what others are saying and posting about you. For example, on Facebook, you may keep a clean Profile, but if a friend tags an inappropriate picture of you, it will be linked to your account.
Tell people in your networks about appropriate good news. Share an accomplishment from class or your internship. Compliment someone for doing good work. Avoid posting negative comments, especially about employers, coworkers, and supervisors. These things have a strange way of haunting you. Even if your current employer does not see it, others who do may make an impression of you by these comments.
Google your name. Be aware of what the top results are. If you can Google a company, they can Google you. The top results on the page will make the first impression.
Avoid writing publicly about your job search unless it can be public. If your current employer sees this, it may negatively impact your experience at work.
Know everything about Privacy Policies. Manage your privacy settings regularly. Often times, social media sites change their privacy settings. Keep up to date with this information so you can control who is seeing your information and how much they can see.
Pick a neutral or professional photo for all of your social media presences. This is the first image employers and others will see if and when they screen you. Put your best face forward.
Use your discretion and best judgment when giving out your information. Don’t upload personal information to websites which seem inappropriate. If it looks questionable, then there may be a reason to question it.
See how you fare on the Do You Pass the Social Media Recruitment Test?
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social network. It is used widely by recruiters, hiring managers, and professionals in hundreds of industries to find qualified candidates for open positions, including students like you. With hundreds of millions of members on the network and thousands of Villanova alumni there, too, it's a great tool for your career.
All students and alumni can join the The Official Villanova Network Group.
A great place to start your job search using social media is through LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social networking site focused on making professional connections and expanding your network of contacts.