Turbo-charge your career
The world of social media can be tricky to traverse, and as more and more people get connected, it’s only natural for more problems to arise. When it comes to presentation online while job hunting, a simple slip-up could permanently damage your employability.
“If you are struggling to get a foot on the career ladder or wondering why less qualified co-workers are rewarded with promotions ahead of you, it could be time to take a critical look at your social media footprint,” explained Chris Meredith, CEO of LondonOffices.com, who has come up with a list of Dos and Don’ts for social media.
“Many people approach social media as if it’s confidential and forget that anything shared online could find its way to their boss or some future employer.”
DO
Create an online presence
Whether you’re looking for a new job or positioning yourself for career growth, it’s important to have an online presence where you can showcase your skills and experience. Your online profiles will also help you connect with contacts who can help you in your job search or assist in moving you up the career ladder.
Watch your grammar
It might seem like no big deal to use texting language on social media, especially when it’s convenient while posting on your phone or when you can’t make your tweet fit otherwise.
However, you could be losing jobs because of it, as employers will often look negatively upon poor spelling and grammar on social media.
Check your privacy setting
Whilst many of us are guilty of thinking that our drunken snaps are safely hidden away from the prying eyes of current or future employers as our own personal profiles are private, did you know that anybody can see your tagged photos if the person that uploaded them has made the album public? So, make sure you have your privacy settings locked down.
Facebook status privacy settings have been known to change when posted from a mobile device, so however secure you think your private settings are, make sure you double check before posting.
Google your name and check what’s online
There’s tonnes of online information that can tell employers a lot about you: tweets, posts, blogs, and photos. It’s quite easy for employers to find information you may have preferred to keep private, and much of it can be found by simply Googling your name.
Pre-empt any disasters by Googling your own name and rectifying anything that may raise alarm bells to current or potential employers.
Be consistent
It’s fine to rework job descriptions so that they’re suitable for different platforms, but what’s not acceptable is if your job titles, companies, and dates don’t match up. That’s a red flag for prospective employers and at the very least, shows carelessness.
DON’T
Display unprofessional profile photos
If an employer conducts a Google search of your name, any pictures affiliated with any of your online profiles may pop up on the first results page.
So, it goes without saying that career-driven folk should opt for a sensible profile picture opposed to a snap of you lying on the curb, drunk.
Voice controversial opinions
While it is important to get involved with discussions online and flex your ideological muscles, nobody wants to employ an overly-opinionated loudmouth.
To employers, your passion could come across as argumentative and you may seem difficult. Steer away from controversial issues if you want to keep the peace.
Tweet about bad work behaviour
This is another really obvious one, but it can cause catastrophic results if not adhered to.
Turned up late for the third time this week and got away with it? Took an extra 20 minutes on top of your lunch break? Good for you, but don’t bother trying to brag to your friends about it over Twitter – you’re practically asking for your employer to find it.
Bash current/previous employers
Many people are tempted to voice their work-related frustrations on Facebook or Twitter, and vent about how much their co-workers or boss have angered or upset them. But keep in mind that current and prospective employers may be looking out for this type of information, so refrain from making these comments at all costs.
Mock your customers
Like complaining about your boss, mocking or complaining about your customers or clients can have equally detrimental effects. Complaining about customers only shows your company and your work ethic in a bad light. Most employers won’t stand for that, so avoid posting these types of complaints online and instead voice your concerns to a manager or colleague.
