8 Tips on how not to destroy your career with social media

8 Tips on how not to destroy your career with social media

Recruiters, potential employers, the competition… you know they’ve checked out your LinkedIn profile because, well that’s what it’s there for, a business profile making you look all professional and stuff. BUT did you know that these people are just as likely to check you out on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Google +?
A recent study by Jobvite suggests that while 90% of employers are now using Linkedin as part of their recruitment strategy, two-thirds (66%) are checking out candidates’ Facebook accounts and more than half (54%) are reviewing Twitter activity.
While LinkedIn provides relevant information on professional skills and past employment, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are also increasingly being viewed to gain a deeper insight into the personalities of candidates.
Another study conducted by CareerBuilder asked employers what they are looking for when researching candidates on social networks. 65% said they do it to see if the job seeker presents himself or herself professionally and just over 50% want to know if the candidate is a good fit for the company culture.
It’s safe to say that what you do on social media these days can definitely impact your career path and employability! So if you want to be in the running for that dream job, make sure you stop, think and consider these career survival tips next time you post on social networks….

1. Smarten yourself up!
Just as your Grandma would insist on combing your hair before you stepped outside, ensure that your social media accounts provide the best impression of you.
Everyone can benefit from regularly reviewing their profile once in a while. You’d never go into an interview with an out-of-date CV, so why ignore the ‘studying at [insert university here]’ when you graduated 4 years ago?
Make sure your social media accounts are completed, with clear and concise use of language. Create a ‘Key Skills’ section (where applicable), distinct from any individual job description, to highlight your main personal selling-points up front. Ensure that all info is accurate, up-to-date and consistent across your various social media accounts. Use a recent photo where you look smart and sober – but don’t be afraid to smile.

2. Do a little boasting…
We all do it. You just have to look at your CV to know you’re guilty of it. But why not highlight your professional and personal achievements on social media? We know what you’re thinking, you don’t want to be ‘that person’ who’s constantly posting about this promotion and that referral and this account… but it doesn’t hurt to be a little proud of yourself. It will get you some extra attention from friends and colleagues congratulating you and you’ll find it will go a long way in helping you land that dream job.
Highlight your personal contribution to successful projects. Post updates about your work and the results you achieve on a regular basis. Source recommendations and referrals from your existing business contacts.

3. If you don’t have something nice to say…
“…then don’t say anything at all.” Wise words, particularly in relation to print. Print being words that are in black and white and can be publicly read all over. Don’t be tempted to bad mouth your employer, your boss, your colleagues or customers online as these comments have a nasty (yet strangely reliable) habit of being picked up and shared among the very people you’ve insulted.
Likewise, no matter how strong the provocation, never be drawn into an argument via social media. In the event of someone doing damage to your reputation online, stay cool and calm, then contact the person directly to suggest that you move the discussion into a more private domain. When your current (and future) employers are likely to see the fall-out of any ongoing argument online, it’s better to be seen as a peace-maker rather than an aggressor.

4. It’s all about me!
It’s ok to do a little boasting but don’t just focus on yourself all the time. This goes without saying. No one is interested in being friends with someone who focuses solely on how wonderful they are. Just like you’d interact with different friendships groups, use social networks to post interesting industry news, join in discussions and polls on topics relevant to your work.
By placing yourself at the centre of topical industry discussions, you’ll not only raise your personal profile among your contemporaries, you’ll demonstrate your passion and engagement with your work: an attractive quality to any future employer!

5. No one else will ever see it, I promise!
I’m sure those were the last words Kim Kardashian heard before starring in her very own homemade sex film. These days nothing is private. Trust no one….. ever. Ok a bit dramatic perhaps, but seriously, if you wouldn’t feel comfortable with your parents seeing it, then it’s not appropriate to upload on any social site.
Discretion is advised when selecting photos to be posted online. Remember that it’s not just the photos that you personally post that you need to worry about: you also need to keep a close eye on any photos your friends may have posted that feature you.

6. Potty mouth
Humour is very subjective and while you may be confident enough that an off-colour or poor taste joke will be appreciated by your closest friends, it may be judged as extremely offensive by others, including customers, clients and employers.
In this context, is the joke you’re about to post even worth sharing? Think: ‘If I was in a room of crowded people would I feel comfortable standing up on a chair and announcing this’? If the HONEST answer is ‘yes’ then it’s probably in the realm of good taste and inoffensive humour.

7. Don’t skip school – we’ll find out
Did you ever skip school, only to be spotted at large and dobbed-in by your parent’s friends from the down the road? The internet is awash with stories of people who have foolishly thrown a sickie from work then been exposed as liars after posting updates about their day off on social media.
Given that social networking is all about connections, it’s wise to assume that anything you post has the potential to reach anyone – even the people you’d prefer didn’t see it. Not only are you likely to be reprimanded (or worse) by your boss, you’ll be exposing your inner idiot to any future employers too.

8. Spread the love
We all love the occasional picture, email or message that gives us the warm and fuzzy feeling, so give your social media contacts a little love too. Share content from your colleagues, friends and employers.
By providing other influential social media users with a little bit of TLC, you’re likely to receive reciprocal retweets and shares from others in the future.
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source::socialbro.com