No matter what field you work in, our digital and social media culture has an eye on you.  Privacy settings mean something, but they don’t really protect a potential or current employer from forming a wrong opinion about you! Regardless if you use social media or not, the Internet is allowing friends of friends and relatives to post information about you on their own social media accounts. This information can make or break a job- even if you aren’t applying for it online!

We decided to share the top 5 Social Media Sins when seeking a job.  You might not be able to control what your family and friends post online, but you can control what you’re posting.  If you stay clear of these “sins” then you will have a better chance of finding a job and making a great impression.

#5.  Talking about potential employers in a desperate manner. Many applicants will research a company before an interview. Well, the same goes for employers seeking employees. Don’t ever post about how you don’t really want to interview with a certain company but have no choice because the #jobmarketsucks. Use common sense when posting updates about yourself and/or your job search. Anyone can copy and paste a private post and make it public record.

#4.  Don’t use a clever handle name that can misrepresent your work ethic. When a search is run on Google with your name in it understand that social media search engines feed into that search. Your handle or screen name will appear. Employers don’t want to hire applicants who consider themselves as “toohotlikestoparty” or “playerandahater”. Keep your screen names and handles professional.

#3. Photos and videos. The rule of thumb is don’t post (even if you mark it private) a photo or a video that you wouldn’t want shared at a board meeting or with your mom. There are no exceptions to this rule. You might know a certain photo is from your 21st birthday but a potential employer might thing that same photo represents your Tuesday nights!

#2. Don’t talk trash. This rule is plain and simple. If you post on message boards then understand those boards, and your comments, are fed to many search engines. If you get into a name calling contest with another poster- your potential boss may read the entire thread! Stick to the golden rule and don’t say anything that is mean spirited or vulgar.

#1. Failure to post links to your resume. The biggest Social Media Sin committed by job seekers is failing to post a link to their online resume.  Use the resources you have. Create a website with your name as the domain and your resume as the content. Link to this domain at the top of all your social media profiles.