Trust older folks when they say they’re very thankful that the things they did as kids weren’t permanently recorded in a readily accessible public forum. Today’s young workforce doesn’t have that luxury—much of what they’ve said and done has been digitally preserved. When you post something online now, as the saying goes, “A card laid is a card played.” Be mindful of your online image; employers and others can access your information, and what they find can have meaningful consequences.
No Mudslinging
In today’s highly charged and sensitive political climate, even the most innocent of posts on social media can be misinterpreted or otherwise offend others. It’s unreasonable for prospective employers to expect employees to have no political or social views, but they certainly don’t want to be associated with anything vulgar, bigoted, or hateful. Mind the online company you keep and try to express your views in a measured and civil way, especially on hot-button issues.
Keep It Clean
It can be tempting to post pictures of every fun activity, but think twice before you do; make sure none show you in any compromising position. If you appear in such pictures, do everything you can to have them taken down or at the very least reported as inappropriate. Any sexual or illegal conduct in online photos is a major red flag for employers. Even if it’s in the distant past, it still creates a negative image of you.
Don’t Look Back in Anger
Prospective employers might glimpse at your work history to check for sour grapes. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your departure—it won’t always be amicable—don’t post remarks on social media that disparage former bosses and coworkers. It’s a red flag to recruiters and hiring managers that you might be a malcontent who couldn’t handle being let go. If you opted to leave, play it off as an opportunity to move on to bigger things, or at least a better situation.
Work ‘You’ vs Personal ‘You’
People’s work demeanor often differs greatly from their behavior outside of work. They conduct themselves differently with coworkers than friends and family, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Employers expect their employees to let loose, but you don’t want them alarmed by something you post or appear in. If there’s something you wouldn’t be comfortable with them seeing, resist the urge to post it.
Conclusions
Social media is a tricky environment, and society hasn’t yet figured out the rules, how hard a boundary exists between professional and personal life online, or what the statute of limitations is for indelicate posts. Until a consensus is reached, err on the side of caution. You don’t want to risk a job or miss the opportunity to get one based on your online conduct.
