Interview 2.0: Using Social Media to Prepare Students for the Workplace

Based on a Blog by Andrew Marcinek

Original Publication Date:  8/21/2010

Web 2.0 is a powerful tool and if used responsibly can be a valuable in the employment arena.  Social media has the potential to positively or negatively impact college acceptance or the future employment of our students.  Most students are using social networking on a daily basis without learning how to use the social networking sites responsibly or to leverage them to their advantage.  The author, Andrew Marcinek, believes that using social networking to highlight personal work and contributions can be a good marketing tool and a dynamic introduction.  The author states that “We are conducting silent interviews daily by what we add to our profiles” (Marcinek, 2010).

Whether we realize the impact of our social networking sites, everything we add to them becomes part of who we are and can introduce us to prospective employers and college admission personnel.   “It is defining who we are before we even open our mouths.  Everything we post, tag, and comment on become our voice, our personality.  There is no room for explanation or follow up” (Marcinek, 2010).  So why not use the sites to shine a positive light on our accomplishments.

Many, if not all, social networking sites are blocked in schools.  The author would like to see the restrictions lifted and students shown how to use them effectively.  “These tools can put up a roadblock OR help you arrive at your desired destination.  If we deny access, we stunt the digital growth and presence of our most talented learners” (Marcinek, 2010).  At the very least, students need to be taught that their digital footprint is “written in ink” not pencil and once on the web, always on the web.      

Marcinek, A. (2010, August 21). Interview 2.0: using social media to prepare students for the workplace [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/using-social-media-for-interview-20