In this modern age of Technology, nearly everyone has a social media account.
Yes, we all want to be technologically savvy, but are we cautious?
People regularly share photos, status updates and information about their lives on Facebook, Instagram, twitter etc but have we taken into account our everyday social media posts can destroy our career and brand?
Fresh graduates, job seekers and even current employees who don’t exercise caution when posting online can do more damage than they might realize.
I have interviewed few business owners on what kind of posts could be detrimental to one’s job search or even cause someone to be fired from his/her current position.
Let me share with you few social media mistakes you need to stop making:
1. Posting Nude Photos.
I am speaking directly to my lovely ladies who flaunt their naked photos on social media for what ever purposes they seek to achieve.
The worst accounts I came across were students seeking an internship, and those included tons of profanity and in one case a few way too revealing pics.(one account is/was “Akosua Tr…u”).
My ladies, note that business owners are looking for self-confidence, but when they are looking for someone to be a team player, they don’t want to get into a situation with ladies with ‘big egos’ or improper dress. Think twice before you act.
2. Complaining about your job.
I won’t waste much time on this mistake. We are all aware it's unacceptable to do that in the business world.
One of the worst things a current employee could post is complaints about their company and/or information on attending meetings or their job hunt. Why should you leak discussed agenda after meetings? Stop that now and save your position.
3. Bashing your past employers.
The worst thing to find on a job applicant’s social media accounts is anything negative about a previous or current employer.
Potential employees should always make sure to either stay positive or post nothing at all. Nothing is accomplished in posting negatively online. You will suffer for it one day.
4. Sharing company secrets.
The worst thing a current employee could post on social media is trade secrets or internal discussions.
A company is built upon the trust that employees will follow the guidelines prescribed, and any company worth their salt has walked employees through what is permissible and what is not.
I am ending here by advising those who demonstrate reckless use of social media repeatedly, like promoting false information, writing hate words…. Please you aren’t doing any favors to yourself in the job market.
By Ray Charles Marfo