Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

How Your Actions on Social Media Can Affect Your Job

How Your Actions on Social Media Can Affect Your JobSocial media can be a fun way to stay connected with friends and family.  However, have you stopped to consider what your social media content might be saying to your current employer or a potential employer?

In today’s job market, many managers are checking out candidates’ social media profiles in order to get a better feel for a job seeker.  Not only this, but some managers are even looking at the social media profiles of current employees in order to uncover any red flags or signs of unprofessionalism.

Whether you are currently employed or actively searching for employment, you need to be very careful of what kind of messages you are sending out through your social media accounts.

Professionalism

Your actions on social media can have a strong effect on your professionalism on the job, whether you think it’s related or not.  Yes, we all have a right to our private lives and opinions, but when those things stop being private, they can have a negative impact on how we are viewed professionally.

While there is nothing wrong with social media and voicing your opinions, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.  Stay away from any negative comments dealing with your employment situation or your job.

How many times have you seen your friends on Facebook or Twitter post negative comments about their job or boss?  Think about what would happen if their manager heard of or saw these comments.

Managers are looking for someone who is professional, will not poorly represent their company, and will be loyal to their job.  A displayed lack of professionalism in your social media posts can taint your professionalism with your current employer or future employer.

Likewise, if you are on the job hunt, make sure that your work history and education listed on your social media profiles clearly matches up with your resume.

Hiring managers are not just looking at LinkedIn profiles anymore.  They are also looking at Facebook and Twitter to compare your social profile with what you have shared during the hiring process.  If there is any discrepancy, it can reflect poorly on your level of honesty.

Attitude

Hiring managers prefer to have team members with positive attitudes.  No one wants a Negative Nelly on their team.

When you constantly post negative or nasty comments or photos on your social media profile, you are sending a message to others that you may not have the best attitude about life.  Hiring managers pick up on this and it will affect whether you get the job or not.

Your best bet is to stay positive and professional on all of your social media profiles.  Even if you have adjusted privacy settings, just keep in mind that all it takes is for one of your friends or connections to share or comment on your posts to your manager or hiring manager.

What are some other ways that your actions on social media could affect your job or chances at a job?

Image: Twin design/BigStock.com

Julia Weeks

Julia is a skilled Recruiter with over 8 years of experience in sourcing, interviewing, and hiring within many industries globally. She works closely with hiring managers and job seekers to understand needs and desires, while offering guidance and ensuring the right fit. When not recruiting or writing, Julia enjoys spending time outside cycling, taking her dog for walks, or honing her sailing skills.

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