Public Versus Private Online Identity - Is there really a difference?

There is an emerging debate about the boundaries (or lack thereof) between an individual’s personal and private online identity.

The questions on many people’s minds (jobseekers in particular) seem to be:

-       To what extent do current (or prospective) employers have a right to view (and make judgments about) my private online identity and

-       How do I adapt to this reality in terms of managing (and even protecting) my online identity

In answer to the first question...

the simple answer is: ‘your privacy is dead! Gary Vaynerchuk  – Founder of Wine Library TV and author of ‘Crush it’ said it best:

“Have you fully comprehended that the Internet will enable your great-great-great-great grandchildren will see and hear everything you have ever done?”

Stated simply, there is no longer any practical distinction – or partition – between your private and public online identity. It is common for people to argue: ‘but I want to keep facebook for my friends and use LinkedIn for my professional associates.’ This sounds great in concept and works until some employer asks you to ‘friend’ as part of the screening process. And for those of you that want to talk about right to privacy and argue the ethics of companies ‘checking up on you’ – Most employers today already use third party companies to pull your credit report and criminal history… 

Most people are unaware that NOTHING on the Internet goes away – even when you delete it. Take a moment and check out the The Way Back Machine - you’ll be in for a surprise.

In answer to the second question (How do I adapt to this reality?) the answer is you will need to treat the Internet as an extension of yourself and, ultimately, your personal brand. The maxim: ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression’ applies to your online personality as much as if you were shaking hands with someone for the first time.

Here is some practical advice:

Be aware that everything you say, share, tweet, post, and update becomes part of your permanent record and will be used by others to form judgments about you.

Be aware that prospective employers are not necessarily looking for a squeaky clean image. They will, however, be looking for inconsistencies in your story. Make sure your LinkedIn job history matches your resume. Make sure your travel photos on facebook don’t coincide with a period you said you were employed.

If you have blemishes (and we all do) be prepared to address them head on and, where appropriate, be proactive in letting prospective employers know what they can expect to find out about you online.

Have you had an issue with online privacy or have a strong oppinion? Please post a comment.