I recently read an article from Social Times called, “5 Myths Employees Believe About Social Media” that talked about different myths that employees hold true to in dealing with work on social media. It made me think of all the misgivings that social media has and all the things that can get people fired or not hired in the first place.
Getting Hired
- You Aren’t On Social Media - If you don’t have a Facebook page at least then many employers will think that you are behind the times. It doesn’t matter if you use it or if your are uncomfortable with it your future employers are looking for it. You need to take a class and stay updated on the common social media outlets at least.
- Keep it Clean - Since people are looking for you social media profile you need to keep it clean and professional. If you don’t want to people to see it then don’t post it online at all. Any comment you make can be held against you because it is now in writing.
- Old Pictures - Many college students believe that the pictures they posted during the last four years have nothing to do with their career. This is a grave mistake. Many employers will look at your Facebook page or Flickr to get a feel for who you are before an interview. So, if you want to appear professional get those drunk party night pictures off your profile and keep them in a personal photo album offline.
- Ranting about an Old Employer - This is tantamount to dissing an employer before you work for them. It is usually thought that if you rant or make bad comments about former employers then you will do it again. Keep your negative comments to yourself in private conversations with friend and family.
Get Fired
- Trash Talk - If you think that you trash talking about your boss or your fellow employees is ok online you are mistaken. There was a court case recently where a teacher was fired because of a rather vague comment she made about being frustrated with her student’s parents. The school didn’t look kindly on it and fired her when they read it.
Trash Talk got this person fired
- Privacy Settings - Many people think that if they make their Facebook or Twitter pages private then their employers can’t see it. This is wrong because sometimes it is still picked up by search engines or if you have friended or followed people from your work then your employer can asked to see your page while they are logged in. It happens everyday. So, I recommend you still keep it clean.
- Using Social Media at Work - Check your employee handbook and talk with your lawyer friend because this can get you in a bunch of trouble fast. Many employers have strict rules for using social media at work. The may even have a social media policy that covers how to represent the company. Also, if you login from your work computer they could be able to access your accounts too. Just like high school where police could search your locker with school permission.
- Representing the Company - This is another situation where you need to check your employee handbook or talk with your Marketing Director about a social media policy. Many employers will ask that you put a statement on your blog saying something akin to, “The opinions on this site are my own and have nothing to do with my employer.” It keeps everyone clear about your opinions. But realize you are always representing your company as soon as you list who you work for anywhere online.
Conclusion
Just remember that if you don’t want people to see it then never post it online. You should also remember a different version of this for those who are employed, “If you wouldn’t say it to your boss then don’t say it online.” It is a great motto to live by on social media. If you need to vent then call up a friend or write a journal just don’t post it online.
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