Facebook

You may think Facebook is your way to connect with your friends. And, it's okay to say anything you want to because, afterall, it's your friends you are talking to. You might -- no, you really need to -- remember lots and lots of people have access to what you say to your friends on Facebook. "Lots and lots of people" includes employers.

In every meeting I'm at with employers when the subject of Facebook comes up, employers say they look at what job candidates have posted on Facebook. They make decisions not to hire people because of what they read on Facebook.

You may be asking "why would employers even care what I say on Facebook?". Employers invest a lot of $s in any person they hire. They want to know your talents and strengths. They also want to know who you are as a person and how you will represent their organization.

If you need a guide as to what is ok/not ok to put on Facebook, use the Grammie Measure. Ask yourself "Would my Grammie be proud of me if she read this?" If you see Grammie shaking her head no, rolling her eyes in horror, and picking up the phone to call you -- better not post it.

Facebook is a great way to connect with your friends. Just don't let it ruin your chances at a job.