Friends:
I have blogged about this before.
Deposition for Non-compete breach of contract case (Employer seeking $300,000 in damages from my client)
Q from Attorney: Mr. Smith – when did you leave my client’s company?
A from client: Dec. 12, 2007.
Q from Attorney: Mr. Smith – when did you first decide to start your own business?
A from client: After New Years – Jan. I guess.
Q from Attorney: But Mr. Smith, you wrote on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn that you have always wanted to start your business and began the business in mid-2007, didn’t you?
A from client: I don’t think I said that.
So why do I point this out? Because past employers, future employers and current employers are watching you online.
Here is a great article on a Washington State Employment Blog about Twitter and job applicants.
The advice is don’t write anything you wouldn’t hand over to the manager on your first interview. I agree – but don’t write anything you wouldn’t want a jury to see in a breach of contract case, or an employer to see when you are quitting and worried you may be in breach.
If it is in writing – it isn’t going anywhere.. so please be aware, and be careful.