To Post or Not to Post
Your mother has probably told you more than once that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Her advice is still good today and is especially true when it comes to social media. The majority of Facebook users are now over the age of 25 and include a broad range of people including, most likely, the person with whom you just interviewed.
Now, just because you are entering into the practice of law you don't have to give up your online presence, you just have to be mindful of the e-footprint you are creating for yourself. Here are a few points to remember, which will make following your mother's advice a little easier.
Employers really do pay attention to your Facebook page and tweets
If you show poor judgment online, an employer may interpret this to be your behavior in person. Keep in mind that 45 percent of employers screen social media profiles.
As a law student, you must consider the type of lawyer you want to be and start acting like one now
You must take responsibility for what you write and use common sense. The information you post on a social networking site creates an electronic record that will be accessible for years. Carefully think about what you post as your status updates and even your responses to friends' posts.
Know and remember the difference between Facebook and LinkedIn
Use Facebook, with high privacy settings, for personal use and LinkedIn for professional purposes. Neither is the venue to air your political opinions or religious views.
Adhere to the attorney code of ethics
Sharing successes online about your cases or clients is dicey and you should refrain from doing so. You can be sure the clients you are representing in the Law Clinic, through an externship, or at a summer job have searched for you on Facebook. The picture of you at that fraternity party three years ago probably does not look too professional to them.
Follow the "Grandmother Rule" - if you would not want your grandmother to read or see what you’ve posted, don't post it
Look at your Facebook page through the eyes of a conservative employer and remove anything that would raise concern about your character.
Ditch the dirt
You have got to be proactive to keep ahead of the digital dirt. Even if your Facebook page is private, your friends' pages may be public which means your posts on their pages and pictures on their pages can be discovered. Increase your security settings to eliminate posting and tagging by just anyone.
Your online reputation will follow you throughout your career and begins now. Go to your Facebook page, apply the "Grandmother Rule," clean house and repeat often. Maintaining your online reputation is not only crucial to your future endeavors but also shows a level of professionalism many employers are seeking.
