2011: New job, new approach

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The smart social networker...

For those of you about to embark on a new career post graduation you might want to consider some of these useful tips about using social media professionally...

Social media has become an increasingly important career management tool. It has fully crossed over from just the personal into professional lives. But, for many, there is a lot of anxiety and reluctance to embrace this technology and engage. So by not, what do you miss? Becoming smarter, faster, better. Social media provides us with an incredible gateway to experts, research, innovative ideas, best practices, trends, competitive information, etc. But it isn't simply a repository for data. By engaging - and that means sharing your ideas, your insights, your expertise, your questions, your favorites - you have a tremendous opportunity to learn, collaborate and elevate your own performance. Here are a few tips to help raise your comfort level if you're still feeling some angst:

• DO be aware that content you post will remain in the public domain indefinitely
• Carefully consider whether you should mention the company you work for at all in your profile
• DO be mindful that you are a representative of your company and your conduct on social media sites should be consistent with your organisation's code of conduct.
• DO NOT provide information that is proprietary, confidential or commercial sensitive to your organisation.
• DO NOT reference clients or vendors without seeking prior approval.
• DO NOT make discriminatory remarks, threats of violence, use personal insults, obscenity, instigate fights or engage in any conduct that would be unacceptable in the workplace.
• DO NOT attempt to degrade any dissenting opinion.
• Apply common sense. Are your comments something you'd feel comfortable with your boss reading? Will your post reflect positively on your organisation? When in doubt, don't say it.
• And manage your privacy settings so that any information you want private isn't public!

Remember, your online reputation is just as important as your personal and professional reputation so take care to manage it well. With that in mind, you will no doubt shine in front of your new employer and retain your personal perspectives...

Good luck and welcome to the new year!

For more on preparing for a new job and behaving professionally contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.