Keene State College helps young adults achieve higher education. However, obtaining a degree is not enough to succeed in a career.
Networking has become the best way to gain connections in life through a digital medium.
Keene State College Academic and Career Adviser Louise Ewing shared some information for KSC students about what they should start paying attention to. “You cannot avoid it, students need to look at the privacy settings such as Facebook. On Facebook you can go to the settings and list it as private such as tagging photos,” Ewing said.
“Many employers are googling applicants for jobs. If you have bad information online it can affect whether you can get hired or not,” Ewing explained.
According to Ewing, around 80 percent of companies will google their applicant’s name for a job or internships.
Keene State graduate Carter Roane said he was aware that companies can do this for safety measures. “I used to work at Res. Life at other schools. I had a blog, and one of the interviewers was impressed by my blog. They do pay attention, I was glad that my blog was professional. I was an RA [resident assistant] for three years,” Roane said.
Roane said he also started to pay attention to what he posted and he didn’t post anything negative on his Facebook page.
Owls nest Resident Assistant Christie Kushnir was also aware that companies can do this for safety measures.
“No, I never had a job that did this. I work as a nanny in my hometown. Besides, I have nothing to hide,” Kushnir said. Kushnir explained that she always pays attention on what she posts online.
“I feel like it is invading your privacy. However, I feel like you have to pay attention [to] what you post online because it may affect your future. I understand where the companies are coming from because they need to watch their back for who they are hiring,” Kushnir said.
Cassie Baron/ Equinox Staff
According to Ewing, the best solution is to make a professional profile on websites like Linkedin, which can make yourself “noticeable in a positive way.” She shared that this is a good thing for companies to see from applicants.
“That’s what you want to do. Having a good resume is very important and you can post it up on Linkedin, it can help in the long run,” Edwing explained, “Even if it isn’t for the job field, it is always good to have in general.”
KSC senior Devon Larrabee said that he also started to pay attention to the things he posted online. Larrabee said, “If I’m out having fun with my friends, I have to be careful what gets posted on the internet.” Larrabee said he believes companies who google applicants’ names should depend on the type of job.
Future music teacher, Larrabee believes that companies googling applicants’ names is not invading his privacy.
“I am going to be interacted with children. A parent wouldn’t want to see their kid’s teacher in inappropriate photos online,” Larrabee added.
“I don’t have a Linkedin account, but I know someone who has one. It is a good networking tool to have,” Larrabee said.
Roane advised senior or juniors to be aware of this for the future. “Many companies do this now. It is important to look professional as possible. If you want to have a personal page make sure you check your privacy settings,” Roane said. Roane said he doesn’t feel like his privacy has been invaded. “Keep it to yourself, when you’re looking for a job put your best foot forward,” Roane said.
If any student would like Ewing to google their name, Digital Dirt Dig occurs every Wednesday at the Multicultural student support office in the Student Center. Everyone is welcome to drop-in.
Leigha Hall can be contacted at lhall@kscequinox.com
