Kailash Shahani Shares on Rediff Interview the Positive As Well As Negative Effects Of Social Media Profiles on the Employers

"Defamatory remarks on social media sites can cost oneself his job" - Kailash ShahaniRacist remarks are random outbursts that are independent opinions of a certain individual or group. These remarks never present you in good light.Kailash Shahani, Managing Director of Morpheus Consultingexpresses as how a leading company denied a promising candidate a job when they stumbled upon some racist comments he'd made during the 2011 cricket world cup."The candidate probably wasn't even aware that his activities were being screened. But a third party organisation that was involved with background checks scanned his profile and made a note of these remarks. That worked against him," he recollects, "And to think that it wasn't even a very senior position!"Exercising caution, Shahani says, is crucial, adding that it is pertinent to avoid being an 'extremist by opinion'. "You should be extremely careful about what you say or post on a public forum. Try to maintain objectivity of thought, while you are online.""Do not post comments or messages about a person, group or community unless you are attributing it to a source (like a newspaper or website). In dire cases, a defamation suit could be filed against you."

"In extreme cases, when you are provoked to voice an independent opinion, use personal messaging or chats to convey your message."

Adding Social Causes in your profile can be advantageous Kailash Shahani @ Rediff InterviewAdding activity links about social causes and projects add impetus to your profile. Even if you do not participate in these activities, even a gesture expressing interest could work wonders for you.

Kailash Shahani shares a personal example. "A friend had applied for a position at a prominent private. The bank had hired a third party to do a background check of the candidates.""At that point, the friend was unaware that the bank strongly believed in corporate social responsibility and did not highlight the social causes he was actively involved in."

"Since my friend was also part of an NGO (Non-Government Organization), he had posted some links and images about their activities, which added value to his profile and left a positive impression. He learnt about this advantage only after he got the job. So, little things like these could also count as it portrays your socially responsible side as well."

Kailash Shahani opt solution for maintaining both the profiles social as well as professional Everyone is not successful to balance an active social profile and a discreet professional profile. So, does maintaining the two different profiles can be considered as the solution?

You can always be wise in choosing the people you trust or be careful to balance your social and professional life. Today, social networking sites also provide you various privacy options that you can use to your advantage. However, if you follow the basic rules, you won't even need to take so much trouble. A lot of individuals, particularly, those involved at senior management positions have been successfully doing it."Kailash Shahani also added with this "The only pictures you see on their profile are those with family or attending meetings, conferences, office events, travel and the like. I guess that wisdom also comes with age and experience. Others can only learn along the way."