Employers use social networking tools to “spy” on employees

Somebody's watching your Facebook page. It's your boss!

Today's employer can find information about applicants from their social networking tools websites. There are many questions employers are not legally allowed to ask in interviews. Not to worry, much information can be obtained from a Facebook page or Twitter account. Professional online writers often have both. What do your online profiles say about you that may not appeal to future employers?

Interviewees often hide their true identity from potential employers.

Many times a job candidate has excellent qualifications and credentials, but is impossible to work with due to personality issues or other problems in their personal life. Social networking tools can help to reveal the applicant's true goals in life.

Social networking tools should be used to show your best qualities.

Keep posts upbeat and positive. Avoid bashing other users when using social networking tools. Maintain a professional attitude. These websites can be very helpful in boosting your image if used properly. If you work online social networking tools are invaluable self promotion.

Social networking tools can draw potential customers to your website.

Friendships made while using social networking tools can also bring attention to a business through word of mouth. Use social networking tools to highlight your achievements, not to boost your sex life. Future employers are not interested in your measurements, and certainly won't be hiring anyone who posts such things on their pages.

When using social networking tools, always be cautious about revealing too much personal information.

Take care not to post character damaging photos or statements when using social networking tools. For your own safety and dignity, never post items of a sexual nature. In addition to ruining your reputation and your chances of being hired by a serious employer, this can be viewed by sexual predators and used against you.

The good part:

The knowledge that social networking tools are used by employers to screen applicants can be helpful as long as websites are used in a professional manner.

Don't be afraid of a little self promotion using social networking tools.

Always be honest in your posts. Avoid bragging about qualifications you don't possess. The truth always comes out eventually. Honesty is the best policy.

Social networking tools are becoming invaluable as more and more people work online.

Social networking websites aren't just for socializing any more. These sites, which used to be a dating nightmare, have been turned into valuable business tools. So be careful what you say online. The boss could be listening.

Portions of this article were previously published on a now closed Yahoo property.

Writing more professional online articles

Don't forget to check facts!

There are times when a writer writes with creativity only in mind. There are other instances in which a more professional approach to articles is required. It can be difficult for the creative writer to write professional articles of a serious nature. The creative mind doesn't always lend itself naturally to professional writing.

Writing professional articles requires a little discipline.

It also necessitates a bit of compromise on the part of the creative writer. Interjection must be kept to a minimum when writing professional articles. Professional writing can have personal opinion within, but not to the point that it takes over the article. It's important not to let professional articles become rants on the authors pet peeves.

Write an outline containing vital information and stick to it.

The facts become the outline with each paragraph limited to two or three sentences supporting the facts. The outline makes writing professional articles quicker. There is no pause to ascertain what comes next. Remember to link to other professional materials that support facts.

If there's a point or opinion to express, stay within the outline.

Make the interjection brief and to the point. It's also best not to personalize the opinion with statements such as, "I believe that" or, "it seems to me". Rather it is best to use general terms such as, "some people have expressed". Then proceed to explain why each side feels the way they do. This gives the reader the respect to form their own opinions.

The old news adage still rings true.
Be sure professional articles answer all basic questions regarding the subject. For those who are unfamiliar, that would be who, what, when, where, how and why. The how and why of the article subject is not always clear. This is the place for opinions and interjections.

Make an effort to keep paragraphs at two to four sentences.

It also helps to keep paragraph size consistent throughout the article. This allows for a more profession look and an easier read. Run on paragraphs cause the reader to lose attention. Keep ideas concise and convincing.

Keep publication requirements in mind.

Writing professional articles is like any other job in this respect. Business owners have every right to run their business as they see fit. When writing professional articles you must stick to the rules or get out of the game. This is not an easy thing for the creative mind to swallow but it must be done if you are to earn any money.

Professional articles fill a different need.

Creative articles often fulfill a two fold need. They satisfy the artist's need to create and the reader's need for entertainment. Professional articles, on the other hand are mostly about keeping people informed on subjects of interest to them. The writer's motivation is generally monetary, rather than creative. This is not to say there are not professional article writers who are creative, it's just a different motivating force.

Portions of this article were previously published by this author on a now closed Yahoo property.