You read it correctly. There are some sure-fire things that you can do related to your social media profiles to ensure that you remain in your current dead-end job or that you don't get a job at all. As employers look to hire the best possible candidates for open positions, there are two pretty important factors. First, they are risk-averse. This means that they do not want to employ someone who might pose a risk to the culture or reputation of the organization. Second, they want employees who appear to use good judgment. And if you think they are not checking your social media profiles, you are woefully naive. So, here are 5 job "killers" related to social media.
- You engage in political, social, or other types of rants on your Facebook page. No one is politically neutral; however, an employer would like to see that you are moderate, calm, and a bit reserved in your views. You may be really passionate about a social issue - if it is controversial, better to leave it alone, unless you are private messaging someone. And, a sure-fire way to get your resume thrown into the trash can is to rant about a former employer - this should be a "no-brainer."
- An empty or an almost-empty profile, particularly on a site like LinkedIn is a very bad sign for a potential employer. Did you start something and not finish it? Whoa - that may be a bit telling. If you have old profiles that have been neglected for a long time or that were never finished, either bring them up to date, or delete them entirely. Having no profile is not good, but it is better than an empty one.
- If you have a Twitter account, be especially careful. It's so easy to tweet something out in a moment of anger or passion, when emotion has taken over. Stop and think - will it be okay if an employer reads this? And, be careful who you follow on Twitter - it can speak volumes to a hiring manager about the type of person you are - your values, your belief systems, your morals. Remember, employers are risk averse!
- "Too Much Information" - There may be drama in your life from time to time - a bad break up or a friend who has betrayed you. Posting it all over your Facebook page may be wonderfully cathartic, but you future employer may be wondering about your judgment. And then there are those questionable photos and videos. Those drunken pool party that you thought was hilarious; those sexy shots you thought would impress so many of your friends? Never mind that your mom may never get on Facebook and see them - a hiring manager may! Everyone probably remembers the infamous photo of Michael Phelps, Olympic swimming champion, with a pot bong at a party. The repercussions were pretty horrific, and he wasn't even looking for a job at the time. If you are going to engage in risky behavior, don't make it public.
Remember, employers want to hire people that think have good judgment.