Posts Tagged ‘private’

There is something out there know as the “search engine affect.” What is it? Well, let me give you a physical example; try googling yourself and see what results you get. You may be shocked at what returns back to you in that search page. Let’s put this all back to what is in the power of a name and just what your name is doing for you, especially on the internet.

Most individuals do not realize when they sign up for websites such as forums or social networking sites, that when you type in your name, you can and most likely will be searched. This is becoming increasingly popular with businesses when a background check may not be enough. All it really takes is the curiosity of a potential new boss to type in your name on their search bar and a few seconds to lose an opportunity. Caution cannot be thrown to the wind when using your name in any situation, but more so when you are a freelancer. Your reputation as a freelancer is built surrounding mainly your name and work attached to your name through media outlets you have posted to, including personal social sites.

I have heard and watched as people have lost credibility with potential employers, by creating a social networking page that can be visible to anyone on the internet.  Sites such as Myspace and Facebook are the more popular social networking avenues, even as they were intended to be a relaxed friendly atmosphere, if they are not private to just friends, anyone can search your name and find your page. Most people who are aware of this, such as myself, have resorted to keeping profiles private from public eyes and not using full names on things such as other websites, forums and even photo sharing websites (i.e. Flickr and Photobucket). This can keep you protected in the event of a curious boss or co-worker with a grudge (haven’t we all been there?)

The simplest way of preventing a potential client or boss from using this information as ammunition against you is to look on several search engines and correct the sites or via settings set your profiles to private. Let’s face it, these days anything put on the internet is no longer sacred when we make the decision to put it on a private webpage or open forum. This includes pictures sent through emails or sensitive information shared through chat sites, chances are if someone out there doesn’t like you they will find a way to exploit your information to the world. We have all seen it on TV with celebrities, or read it in some fashion so do not think you’re not at risk of the same behavior.

As a closing, to put it in simple terms, do not post/upload/share or otherwise give information about yourself without realizing there can be consequences to those actions. This is something that should be known to anyone who knows how to log onto the internet. Keep your profiles private (unless it is for professional purposes only), use your name only when you are sure the information is not harmful to you or anyone else. Also as a last tip, if you are chatting in an open room (Yahoo, AOL etc.) make sure to keep your context free of anything that can be deemed offensive or cause for termination. This can ensure you keep your name in good standing and yourself from unwanted information being seen by potential jobs in the future.