The world of social media is nothing new, and it seems to be evolving every day. As a result, litigations, resignations, and dismissals due to postings deemed inappropriate or offensive on social media are becoming more commonplace.
Therefore, now more than ever, it is important you take the necessary steps to ensure that social media is used to advance your career rather than hinder it in any way.
Potentially Career Saving Questions to Ask Before You Post:
Would I want my employer/potential employer to see this?
It is no secret that employers comb through social media to determine if candidates are the right fit for the job. This means that your resume can be chock full of accomplishments and your interview responses can be strong, but if something on your social media does not sit right with decisions makers, it could cost you a job.
Anything you post—from articles and shares to pictures and off-hand comments—is up for scrutiny. Take the time to think about every post or share before doing so. Be mindful of how you repost or share information on social media, and be sure to add in your own perspective if the ideas in the post could be misinterpreted.
Additionally, monitor your own posts, tweets, and comments. They reflect who you are, your values, and could end up being an employer’s deciding factor of whether or not they hire you.
Does this fit my personal brand?
Social media—especially a professional site such as LinkedIn—is a great tool to garner attention, seduce your audience, and advance your career. However, this only works to your benefit if your social media profiles align with your personal brand.
Social media often portrays your values both professionally and personally. Therefore, it is critical the content you post reflects your values as you communicate them through your personal brand.
Could my words be construed as harmful to any particular person or group?
The types of posts that generate the most negative attention seem to malign a particular person or group. Refrain from negative posts about employees, team members, former or potential employers, and any particular group. Such posts will potentially cause damage to your current position and any position you hope to hold in the future.
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