(Published in the Job Market-Working People section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 30, 2008, Sunday)
By Roel Andag
Contributor
Log into your virtual best
THE ACCESSIBILITY OF INTERNET technology is boon to jobseekers and employed professionals alike. Its many benefits include the opportunity to create high-impact cyber personas that can enhance one’s career prospects.
Two sets of actions shape one’s e-persona: creating consumer generated content and engaging in other online activities. The first is proactive – you decide what to present to your audience. The second is reactive – you act on what is being presented to you. The internet is constructive to those who know how to leverage its benefits. Learn from these tips in creating a power-packed cyber persona:
Personal site as infotainment. The career-enhancing character of personal websites and blogs is indisputable. They allow you to market yourself to practically the whole world while you express your feelings freely. This freedom comes with a responsibility. Never upload contents that can jeopardize your career potential. Career-busting contents include online boss-bashing, lewd photos, profane language, scandalous videos and links to porn sites. Sanitize your site but don’t be dull. Provide value-adding content such as tips and how-to’s, publish an e-zine, upload your “in action” photos and videos, update regularly, feature your accomplishments, and include a feedback mechanism and other forms of interaction. You can even incorporate humor, as long as it’s inoffensive. Complete the package with a simple and tasteful layout and a catchy site name. Find the correct balance between information and entertainment and your site will enjoy loyal following that will result in favorable buzz.
Strategic networking. Social networking sites abound. You can choose from Friendster, Multiply, Facebook, LinkedIn and a host of others. Professional networking is not about quantity but quality. The saying “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are” is a good reminder to those who delight in expanding their online network wantonly. Screen your connections well. Choose only those who you think can broaden your professional prospects. But as I always say, don’t be a parasitic networker. Professional networking is a reciprocal relationship. Reminder: beware of ‘notworking,’ meaning wasting time and money on social networking sites. There is a more effective form of online networking: joining egroups. Become member of active egroups that cater to your industry or interests. Egroups are ideal sources of useful information, leads and contacts. Once a member, be active – participate in discussions, post helpful messages and attend virtual and physical fellowship activities.
Practice workplace ‘netiquette’. Your office intranet was established to facilitate workplace communication. You defeat the purpose if you choke your officemates' inboxes with unprofessional material such as YouTube clips, repulsive jokes, weird photos and quizzes. There is a great chance that you are spreading viruses so do not hit the send button gratuitously. Establish personal online time by checking your inbox only three times maximum within the day, and only for one hour each time. Regulating your online time will discipline you to avoid aimless web surfing. Set a turnaround time for answering emails, say, within 24 hours from receipt at the latest.
When sending emails, always make sure that
(a) you're sending the right document to the right person,
(b) attachments are in order,
(c) the subject is indicated in the subject line,
(d) the message is free of spelling and grammar errors, and
(e) that all intended receivers are included in the address lines.
If you commit a blunder, admit it and institute remedies quickly. Never apply for a job using the office internet account. Last but not least, never peruse cyberporn. The people in IT department – they know what you do everyday – can be summoned to present evidence of questionable internet use.
Beware of split personality. With its magical properties, the internet helps us transform ourselves into more beautiful versions – slimmer, more engaging, more desirable. Or it could be the other way around: some choose to rebel against their poised and politically correct selves at work by becoming reckless online creatures. The anonymity the internet provides allows us to breathe life into our fantasy alter egos. The internet is public domain, it is globally accessible. Human resource professionals playing detectives trawl the internet to discover clues about your personality, especially when you are up for job interview or promotion and your resume is intriguing. If you cannot reconcile your physical and virtual personalities or if you insist on maintaining a potentially compromising online account, at least be discreet. Lock it with passwords, hide behind an alias and set other restrictions to protect your privacy and your reputation. Be careful of leaving virtual footprints that can lead to career suicide. In the interest of furthering your career, spew venom only when you’re sure you’re protected.
The image you project online leaves enduring imprints on the minds of your audience. This image precedes any actual physical impression. It becomes the basis of how people perceive you. In impressions management, it is boom or bust. Your e-persona can either strengthen or sabotage your professional life. Be it in the physical or virtual realm, always present yourself in the best light. Think well next time you log in.
Beware of split personality. With its magical properties, the internet helps us transform ourselves into more beautiful versions – slimmer, more engaging, more desirable. Or it could be the other way around: some choose to rebel against their poised and politically correct selves at work by becoming reckless online creatures. The anonymity the internet provides allows us to breathe life into our fantasy alter egos. The internet is public domain, it is globally accessible. Human resource professionals playing detectives trawl the internet to discover clues about your personality, especially when you are up for job interview or promotion and your resume is intriguing. If you cannot reconcile your physical and virtual personalities or if you insist on maintaining a potentially compromising online account, at least be discreet. Lock it with passwords, hide behind an alias and set other restrictions to protect your privacy and your reputation. Be careful of leaving virtual footprints that can lead to career suicide. In the interest of furthering your career, spew venom only when you’re sure you’re protected.
The image you project online leaves enduring imprints on the minds of your audience. This image precedes any actual physical impression. It becomes the basis of how people perceive you. In impressions management, it is boom or bust. Your e-persona can either strengthen or sabotage your professional life. Be it in the physical or virtual realm, always present yourself in the best light. Think well next time you log in.
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