Personal accounts in social media have long lost their private status. While some time ago these cozy online diaries were used as a tribune for “self-expression” or a place where you can just “pour out your soul”. Today, social media accounts are almost like a second resume. And a more authentic one, by the way.
In your CV, you are only mentioning your best sides, while on Facebook you are your true self, with all your ups and downs. And believe us, any potential employer today would take a very careful look at your social pages – just as careful as they would view your recommendations.
Web posts harm one in 10 employees
Based on a survey carried out by analytics company On Device Research, one in 10 employees have “suffered” because of their online publications: they were either fired, or not hired. Actually, this number may be much higher, but who knows…
Social networks are ruthless and merciless to all, whatever their position maybe. Here are a few examples:
Flight attendants fired over online criticism
thirteen flight attendants at Virgin Airlines were fired after publishing sharp criticism against the air carrier, indirectly offending their clients and disseminating inside information.
British jury member asks online friends what to do
A jury member in a British court was removed from the trial over publishing a question in social networks: the lady was not sure what decision to make so she asked her online friends for some advice.
Spanish nun fired over FB addiction
Bad reputation can ruin any successful career – even that of a nun. Spanish nun Maria Jesus Galan had to leave the monastery over spending too much time in Facebook. Her duties included taking care of the monastery’s internet banking and digital archive. Obviously, communication in social networks was not part of her job description.
Still, these unfortunate cases should not make you think your personal page should look like some boring business presentation. But it is worth paying attention to some aspects, if you want to build a successful professional brand.
Family: hide it or not
Long gone are those troubled times, when employers valued workaholics, and sofa beds were the coolest and most wanted office accessory. If you have someone that you love, someone who inspires you to advance in your career and constantly improve your skills, this is definitely a bonus point in your reputation. A family is actually a very responsible and complicated project. Have you implemented it successfully? If you have, you’re getting another bonus point.
Chauvinism: a no-no
If you have certain attitude towards certain types of people, you don’t necessarily need to express this attitude in public. Even a harmless like under statements such as: “All Asians look the same” can cost you your career. Especially if you are part of an international company.
Hobby: an integral part of your life
An employee who has a full-bodied, interesting lifestyle will also be a dedicated worker and will surely bring in some brilliant ideas. Therefore, if there is anything else you are good at, aside from your work – don’t be shy to show it. It is part of your life – and it will demonstrate that you are doing your best in all of its aspects.
Criticizing the boss – current and ex
If even if you are no longer part of a team, criticizing your managers online is not a good idea. If you have published such criticism on your social media page, and your potential new boss sees it, they may think: is this some sort of passive aggressive whiner who prefers internet attacks to actual action? If your previous employer was really unfair to you (as you may think), you’d better keep this between the two of you. Disseminating this in public is highly likely to involve some inside information. And this will undermine your new employer’s trust in you – regardless who was right and who was wrong.
And if you publicly offend your current boss (thinking they would never find out about that) or your company, this is definitely not an indication of common sense. If that’s the case, who and why would ever want to hire you?
We hope you have never made and will never make the mistakes we have listed in this article. If you need advice on the tips and tricks of building a successful career without falling in the common traps, feel free to contact one of our stellar HR wizards!
