Social networking sites.

When speaking about Millennials, the newest generation entering the workforce, technology is synonymous! This generation, plus those of other generations whom they've influenced, have watched a number of new technologies evolve allowing information to be shared with the world at a faster pace. With these advances come new opportunities and challenges.

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

So you aren't familiar with social networking sites--don't worry we'll get you up-to-speed! Social network sites are an online source for people to keep in contact with friends, classmates, family, and co-workers. They provide a virtual community for fun, socializing and networking among people with shared interests or causes. Examples of social networking sites include MySpace and Facebook, the more common, but also LinkedIn and Friendster for example. These sites feature personal profiles where people can upload comments, facts, pictures, videos, chat and much more. Pretty much the sky is the limit for content!

Benefits of social networking sites include being able to locate and chat with friends (old and new); building new relationships; entertainment; information resource; and keeping in touch with others. Another useful benefit for employers and businesses is that if your target audience fits those that use social networking sites, it is an inexpensive and used method to market products or career opportunities. Also, these sites can be used to promote information sessions, career fairs, and the overall company.

"I mainly use Facebook to keep up with my friends from out of state, and it is also fun just to look around at all the funny pictures and postings that people put on there," said Ashley Schmidt, Senior at Texas A&M University.

While there are differing opinions on the legality of using social networking sites to explore potential candidates or current employees, companies are currently doing this.

BE CAUTIOUS

Knowing that employers are using these sites in this potential manner, can lead to some serious ramifications to your professional career. Not to mention, things placed on these sites, if not careful, can lead to identity theft, criminal charges, and intrusion of privacy. Each networking site has different policies and procedures when it comes to allowing access to personal profiles. If you are considering developing a profile or currently have one, this may be something you would like to consider based on the content included in your profile.

"While social networking sites seem to be the "it" thing right now--not everyone is a user, let alone are they comfortable with exposing details about themselves via an online avenue," said Kathryn Doan, AgCareers.com Global Business Development Manager. "At the end of the day, if you are a social network user you have to remember that these sites are a platform not only to connect but an avenue that your information is freely accessible for users to see."

If you have a social networking profile out there and your employer was to look you up, what would they find? Keep in mind content of pictures, comments and chats. Most often all of that information is available if you've allowed access. Again, as mentioned earlier, the verdict is still out as to some of the legality issues of using these sites as screening tools, but the best advice we can give is to assume that employers will have access to what is posted.

Another protective step for you is to search for yourself using Google or the search function on the network. These sites often allow others to tag you in photographs and you may not even know they have posted it. If you do find photos/ comments that you would prefer not to have posted, the first action step is to contact the person and kindly ask for them to be removed. Many of the sites also have policies in place to override tags and allow you to remove content.

While social networking sites might not be on your radar, they are rapidly growing and provide an array of positive benefits for employers and users which should not be ignored. Whichever side of the coin you are on be cautious of how you use the sites.