7 Mistakes You’re Making on Social Media that Could Harm Your Career – Tina B's World
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7 Mistakes You’re Making on Social Media that Could Harm Your Career

Many courts have upheld the right of employers to see everything in your social media accounts. Employers are allowed to study the social media accounts of prospective new employees before they’re hired. 

It’s possible that an interviewer can even tell you to log in and provide full access.

woman holding hashtag sign

Avoid making social media mistakes that could result in the loss of your employment.

Use social media platforms wisely by avoiding these mistakes:

posting about controversial topics

Public comments regarding emotionally charged topics is always risky.

You might not like some ideas or have strong opinions about others, but you never know whom you might offend (a potential boss, maybe) with your stance.

Proceed at your own risk.

premature posting

Examples:

  • work
  • interview opportunities 
  • job offers 

Simply put: don’t post things that aren’t a definite yet.

Does it seem smart to post to the world that you just had a great job interview with another company?

You might be excited about the opportunity, but it would be prudent not to announce your enthusiasm in a public forum.

TIP: until you’ve accepted an offer and submitted your resignation to your former job, be discrete. 

no understanding of zombie content

While it may seem that you have the option of quickly deleting any inappropriate content, that’s rarely the case.

Once it’s out on the web, it’s out there.

Screenshots are forever. 

It can keep coming back to haunt your future like a zombie rising from the dead.

That inappropriate pic/post may show up at the most inappropriate time, like right before an important job interview or offer, perhaps? 

TIP: avoid ever posting anything you wouldn’t want your boss or mother to see.

posting when you called in sick

There have been several instances of employees calling into work sick, only to post photos of themselves at ballgames, the beach, or a party. 

All it takes is for your office snitch to see it and you can be sure your boss will be informed quickly.

TIP: DON’T BE THAT GUY! 

Mixing Biz & Personal Contacts

It’s likely your personal contacts will be bored with your posts regarding work (those unsupportive jerks! haha).

It’s also likely that many of the posts your personal contacts would find interesting aren’t appropriate for a work audience.

Your old college buddies might be impressed with your keg stand skills, but your boss might wonder if you’re the right person to negotiate a contract with a supplier. 

TIP: be aware of who is on your list when you post. 

Posting at inappropriate times

We all slow down a little at 3:00PM, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good time to post to your social media accounts. Uhh you’re still at work, right? 

You should probably be working.

At best, your boss decides you need more work to do.

At worst, your boss suggests you find another job. 

Posting too much can be nearly as bad as posting at the wrong time.

What message are you sending if you post continuously on your time off?

That’s not the type of person that’s given greater levels of responsibility in a professional capacity.

Profanity, poor grammar, Nudity

While the use of colorful language can help to get your point across, reconsider. A well-placed f-bomb just might drive the point home, but just like poor grammar, it can also send the wrong message.

Modesty is usually the best policy when it comes to clothing. Save the wild photos for flaunting in group chats. 

The various social media platforms provide an effective way to communicate and by all means, use these tools to your advantage!

Unfortunately, social media also can also cause a lot of harm to your career.

Be careful of the image you present to the world.

Be in control of your social media presence.

Social Media Planner

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