Is The Online You The True You?

"Totally honest" 51% of students claim to be completely honest on social networking sites, in all situations. Wow that's impressive! "Depends on the situation" 41% of students will change your honesty levels according to the situation. Perhaps a wise move, but also risky. "Fib a little" 5% of students starting to find their nose getting itchy at this point revealing that they do tell a few white lies when they are networking. We'd like to know on what occasions. Trying to impress someone perhaps? "Flat out lie" 3% hold their hands up and admit they are untruthful on social networking sites. We're only human and sometimes the truth hurts. Lying online is no big deal is it? So, what does this mean? The overwhelming majority seem to be open on social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter with only a small percentage being dishonest. But is this a good idea? Should you be open and honest or is a small fib (or huge whopping lie) ever ok? GRB lifts the lid on these results and offers some advice.

Honesty is the best policy

The general rule of thumb is that you should never flat out lie on CVs and therefore, by extension, social networking sites such as LinkedIn that are career focused and could actually land you a job. Employers scouting for potential employees on social networking sites will look at your profile and, if they like what they see it could go further. If you have made up work experience, achievements or grades then this is just going to be embarrassing for you when they find out. Your online reputation is just as important as your face to face impression, and you don't want to get a bad name in business as a liar, fake or worse. It's nothing to be ashamed of if you haven't got seriously impressive achievements under your belt, it's much better that you seem keen to gain experience and are excited and open to new opportunities rather than to lie.

Tell me sweet little lies?

There's a difference between blatantly making something up and just embellishing the truth. Careers advisors are constantly telling you to sell yourself, paint yourself in the best light and make the most of your achievements, so do just that! As long as the things you are claiming are true and did happen then emphasising their significance and relevance is fine. Don't lie or make up anything, but if you don't tell them how great the things you've done are, how are they going to know?

What they don't know can't hurt them

When it comes to more personal social networking sites, like Facebook, you can afford to be a little more jokey and casual with your content. However, you still need to be aware that potential employers can see your posts (if you have a public profile) and so your professional image could be at risk, depending on what you post. If you must share the pictures from last night's drunken escapades and put a ranty status up about life in general, then it might be a good idea to create two profiles, a private one for friends and a public page for employers to view. Then, your 'unprofessional' behaviour can stay safely hidden and for your friends' eyes only! What do you think? Is it OK to lie on social networking sites or should you always be honest, no matter how ugly the truth is? Do you care even? Tell us.