Back to Basics: do’s and don’ts of social media

Do you use Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? Are you part of generation X, Y or Z? If so, then you might have all three! Now the question is, how do you represent yourself on those platforms? Your online presence contributes to your personal brand, and hiring managers will check your social media before they even speak to you. Whether or not you get the job could all be contingent on what they see, so consider these tips when applying for jobs:

Do: Be Mindful of What You Post

Ask yourself, “Would I be okay with my grandmother seeing this?” If you answered no, then you probably don’t want a potential manager seeing it either. Once something is posted on the Internet, it’s there forever- even if you delete it. The same idea applies if you’re trying to delete an account all together. There is always a grace period to “reactivate” your account. In other words, your content is never truly gone.

Don’t: Post Negative Things About Work

This is an unwritten rule. If you’ve done it in the past, then what’s stopping you from doing it again? Not only does it reflect badly on you, but it also reflects badly on the company. And no company wants to be associated with such an employee.

If you have a work issue, then you need to take it up with the proper channels within the company or through HR. If it’s just a case of stress, talking to a friend is always a better choice than resorting to a social media rant.

Do: Keep it Current

When applying to a job, make sure to update your social media profiles, especially your LinkedIn! Is your work history up to date? Do you have a current photo on your profile? Is everything filled out correctly? If you don’t take the time to complete your profile, then what does that say about you? A recruiter or hiring manager might think that you can’t get a job done, that you’re unmotivated or that you simply don’t care. This is not the first impression you want to make. After all, they are the ones who decide whether or not you get the job.

Don’t: Get Too Political

If you see a great article or hear a great speech that you want to share, then by all means post it! But, if you are incessantly sharing and posting about your political opinions, then others might be put off. Just as you would be careful to discuss politics in the work place, you should be careful on social media as well. If a potential manager sees how passionate you are about certain things, they may question how well you’d fit in at their company.

Social media has many benefits: learning the inner workings of a company, discovering breaking news, communicating with distant friends and family, etc. However, social media can also cause a lot of harm. Simply remember these tips, be mindful of what you post, and stick to the basics!

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