When posting on the Internet, use discretion and consider how employers may interpret your online appearance. Do you know what’s lurking online about you? Several MENC Collegiate students and new teachers shared their opinions on this topic:

Is Your Private Profile Really Private?

Although it’s easy to customize your “privacy settings” on most social networks, blogs, and other Web sites, your personal information is not necessary private. “Whether the personal information falls into the hands of students or potential employers, an online profile—such as those found on Facebook—is public ‘property,’ and as such, should not include any potentially incriminating information,” says McGill University student Robert Couture.

It’s common to search for someone’s name on the Internet, and employers are taking advantage of this tool. “Some employers use your online profile to look beyond what you are not saying in an interview,” says Jody Neel. “Parents and students will do searches for you even after you have been hired,” says music education graduate, Adam Strock.

Using the Internet to Your Advantage

Anthony Beatrice suggests using Web technology to your advantage. “Try to get into the newspaper as many times as possible. Start your own Web page, and hand out business cards with the address on it so you’ll get a lot of hits. This will make your name come up online in a more positive way rather than negative.”

“The Internet is a valuable resource that allows employers to see what potential employees do in their spare time, how professional they look when not in the interviewing room, and whether they will be a positive role model for impressionable students,” says Couture.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

“Online appearance is becoming a more critical aspect of the interview process,” believes Strock. He suggests that you “monitor closely what photos you upload online, along with the photos your friends upload and ‘tag’ you in.”

What are Professors saying about this topic? Read, 'What's Lurking in Your Online Profile:  Part 2'

What are Administrators saying about this topic?  Read, 'What's Lurking in Your Online Profile:  Part 3'

Share your opinions about “online appearance” on the future teacher forum or email Shauna Leavitt. 
 

MENC Collegiate contributors:

Rob Couture is in his fifth year of McGill University's concurrent Bachelor's in Music/Bachelor's in Education program in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Jody Neel is a music education and special education student at University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Anthony Beatrice is a graduate student in music education at University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Adam Strock graduated from Arizona State Univeristy in music education and now teaches beginning and intermediate band in Gilbert, Arizona.

--Shauna Leavitt, January 15, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education