Many of our communication students are digital natives (Jones & Shao,
2011) who may be using online communication technologies without fully
considering the consequences of the content they produce (e.g., Facebook
statuses and Youtube videos) and that which others display about them (e.g.,
photos). Organizational communication scholar Brenda Berkelaar (2008) notes
that many employers are engaging in cybervetting, the practice of searching
online for both professional and personal information about potential
employees. Additionally, a Wall
Street Journal article
noted that some organizations are foregoing standard resumes and cover letters
and are instead asking applicants to submit evidence of their “web presence”
(Silverman, 2012). Not only does web presence provide more
interpersonal/social information than a 1-2 page resume, but it also signals to
a potential employer that the applicant has working knowledge of new
communication technologies.
Recent editions
of public speaking, interpersonal communication, and professional communication
textbooks include a discussion of online presence in such chapters as “Technologically
Mediated Communication” (Merola, 2012), “Considering
Self” (McCornack, 2012), and “Perception, The Self, and Communication” (Adler,
Rodman, & Hutchinson, 2011). At a time when it may be difficult for
students to revise years of online self-presentation, when employers are
forming perceptions based on our student’s online content, and when proficiency
in online communication technologies is important, this assignment offers
students a chance to actively manage one element of their online
self-presentation.
References
Adler, R. B.,
Rodman, G., & Hutchinson, C. C. (2011). Understanding human communication. New York: Oxford University Press.
Berkelaar, B. (2008). Cybervetting (potential) employees: An
emerging area of study for organizational
communication.
Paper presented at the International
Communication Association
annual conference.
Jones, C.; Shao, B. (2011), The
net generation and digital natives: implications for higher education. York, UK: Higher
Education
Academy.
McCornack, S.
(2012). Reflect and relate: An introduction
to interpersonal communication. Boston,
MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Merola, N.A.
Technologically mediated communication. (2012). In K. Stimpson, A. Battaglia,
& J.A. Daly (Eds.),
Professional Communication Skills, 6th
edition (pp. 93-111). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Silverman, R. E.
(2012, January 24). No more resumes, say some firms. Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405297020375040457717303199181496.html.