8 of 28

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Picture this: You work for a prestigious firm, whether this is real estate, law, interior design or other, doesn't matter. You work for a firm that is based off reputation. It is based off of image. Can any of us think of many firms not based off image?

Back to the point, your image is what you are selling to the employer when you interview and when you work for them; your image, not your productivity and dependability. Your Image. Does your image meet the criteria that their company is trying to imbibe to others? Does your image confirm to standards for the industry you are applying to?

Your image affects how their company is viewed. If Jane Doe who works at the company is partying all night and blogging on MySpace about her party life and her lack of responsibility in her personal life, it reflects badly on her. It makes anyone looking at it wonder, if she is this careless in her personal life, will she be careless with her professionalism? Will she transfer what she defines as acceptable behavior in her personal life to the office, or her work?

After all, this is Jane's personal life that she is perceived not only to be careless with but also not to have enough respect for herself to keep it private. This is her personal life that she is allowing the public to see. The public does NOT know her. They only know what she presents. Many misunderstandings can happen with text and pictures. Is this what you want to have to explain to anyone? What if her grandmother saw this? Would Jane be okay with how she is represented?

That being said, MySpace and Facebook both have options to lock your account so that only your friends can view your content. Any employer looking on these sites would see that a profile exists but would not get more than a quote & a picture. You have to choose how to represent yourself to the world. Do you choose a drinking picture or a head shot that represents you more fairly? Is your quote going to be something that is offensive? This is the image you are selling to the world. This is how you DEFINE yourself.

The easiest solution to any perceived privacy issue is to not post your life and questionable pictures on the internet. If these blogs/pictures are not there, you cannot be judged fairly or unfairly by them. If you feel you need to contribute or are socially addicted to these sites, keep them locked so that only your friends can view. Because once you post it on a public site, it is open for the world to see. Judgments can and will be made. And, fair or not, it will affect your employment.

Learn more about this author, Joy Reasoner.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should employers be allowed to use MySpace, YouTube and Facebook accounts as a basis for hiring or firing employees??
We want to hear your view. Write now!