I was talking with some people recently about social networking and what happens with some of the more professional sites like Linked in. My take was that I didn't really get it; I don't really understand what the appeal is or what the big deal is, especially as they grow. I think once networks grow beyond some size, with so many links, a lot of value is lost because there are just too many connections.
For example, I get requests from people to link to me on Linked In and other sites constantly. I started with Linked in years ago, thinking that this site might not sustain me and so I became "linked" with some friends. Now I get 2-3 a week and I've given up trying to figure out how well I know the person. I approve every invitation and I know I'm liked to hundreds, if not thousands, of people. I even created a SQLServerCentral.com group after someone requested it. You can join if you like, I'll approve you, but it might take me a few days, so be patient.
I think that you should create a professional blog, or website, where you can show off your career work, perhaps keep it as a living resume or CV, and point prospective employers to the URL. It's a great way to show off your accomplishments and show who you are as an employee.
I also advocate keeping your personal postings, like your kids, your pet, etc., in another place and don't mix the two since they aren't necessarily related. So when I saw this article that HR groups are examining social networking profiles, I was a little concerned. Not that you don't want to have a professional profile somewhere like Facebook, but should it matter if you have a personal one that talks about your life outside of work?
I'm wondering what you think, especially as your own online footprint grows. For this Friday's poll:
Should Your Social Profile Be Examined by HR?
Should it matter that you skydive on the weekends? If you support a conservative or liberal politician? If you own 100 guns and enjoy shooting? Any of those things could be construed in a positive or negative light by a current or prospective employer.
I tend to believe in freedoms and while I want to know who I'm working with and perhaps ensure that we'll bond together, I think that people should be allowed some leeway outside of work in what they believe in. Their entire online presence shouldn't really prejudice those that might receive their resume or interview them.
It's a fine line that we will walk as more and more of our lives are shared online with friends and family. I tend to think that companies and HR departments ought to be able to ask for online links, but perhaps limit their searches to those professional items that we craft for ourselves and not the personal ones.
Let me know if you agree or disagree with the discussion link below.
The Voice of the DBA Podcasts
The podcast feeds are now available at sqlservercentral.mevio.com to get better bandwidth and maybe a little more exposure :). Comments are definitely appreciated and wanted, and you can get feeds from there.
or now on iTunes!
- Windows Media Podcast - 33.1MB WMV
- iPod Video Podcast - 26.9MB MP4
- MP3 Audio Podcast - MB
Today's podcast features music by Everyday Jones. No relation, but I stumbled on to them and really like the music. Support this great duo at www.everydayjones.com.
I really appreciate and value feedback on the podcasts. Let us know what you like, don't like, or even send in ideas for the show. If you'd like to comment, post something here. The boss will be sure to read it.
