by Cody Hodge

Created on: October 29, 2009

Can Facebook hurt your career? Like anything other tool, you have to use it correctly in order to get the maximum efficiency and effectiveness out of it. There are some simple rules that you can follow in order to get the most out of Facebook, and have it be something that you can use to get a job, and not have it be a tool that actually helps you lose your job.

The first thing you should do is keep in mind who is on your friend list. If your boss or even other co-workers are on your friend list, they can see anything that you put on. Even if you don't talk to your boss, or some co-workers, they could see a post, and report it to the boss. I actually saw a scenario a couple weeks ago where a co-worker was suspended for putting up a status on Facebook that a department manager found out about.

As soon as you use Facebook as a professional platform to promote yourself, you should stop any activities that can make you look bad. Clear out those photos from the party last year, and get rid of any groups or friend associations that could make you look unprofessional. You want to be doing this too especially if you just joined a group, or friended someone because they happened to ask you.

Don't take for granted that your boss, or co-workers, are cool with your posts simply because you think you know them. Even if you do talk to your boss, or co-workers, you have no idea what they are telling people behind your back while they might be agreeing with your assessment of the office to your face. Always assume that they are hostile when it comes to work related posts or activities.

If you are willing to be a professional on Facebook, you run no risk of hurting your career. I would say that you should have a presence on something more professional though, or intended for more professional use. Using a blog, or LinkedIn, might be a better choice for you. You might want to use Facebook if you are running your own business, and know you won't hurt yourself, or lose your job.

There are pros and cons to using Facebook as a career building tool. Always be aware of what you are saying, and never assume that someone isn't going to notice what you write about your employer. The same goes for Twitter, and other sites where your words can be seen by almost anybody. Just be aware of your surroundings, and you should be OK.

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