Facebook Faux Pas

I'm kinda amazed that stuff like this still happens. This article on MSN Careers details people getting fired as a result of a Twitter or Facebook post. Really? I mean, who here (over the age of sixteen) doesn't know that the internet is not private? Fortunately, you have the smart folks at MSN to tell us what not to do.

Social networking don'ts

If you want to use your profile to get hired -- or at least not get fired -- here are three basic rules to keep in mind:

1. Don't announce interviews, raises or new jobs! As exemplified by "theconnor," how you talk about any of these sensitive topics on your social networking site is key. If you're unemployed, writing "Interview today -- wish me luck!" would be OK, or if you got a job, something along the lines of "So excited about my new job!" is totally acceptable. If you're currently employed, however, I don't think your
boss would be too happy to see something like, "Trying to con my boss into
giving me a $5K raise. SUCKA!"
2. Don't badmouth your current or previous employer! Just like in an interview, keep your rants about your boss or company to yourself. If hiring managers see that you're willing to trash a colleague online they assume you'll do it to them, too. Plus, there's always the possibility of getting fired if someone sees your negative comments.
3. Don't mention your job search if you're still employed! If your boss knows you're on the lookout for a new job, feel free to advertise it in your status. If you're keeping your search below the radar, however, don't publish anything, anywhere. Even if you aren't connected to your boss online, somebody can get the information back to him or her.

I think this is a good reminder to those of us who Facebook every detail of our lives. Ahem, I'm working on it.