Could social media be hurting your career?

The novelty of social media has worn off, and now its presence in our lives is rarely questioned. However, as social media keeps gaining traction, with new platforms appearing and new initiatives being introduced, we can’t help but question how our digital footprints affect our lives.

One area where social media has made an impact is on careers. Professional platforms such as LinkedIn can be powerful tools for job searching and networking. They allow you to post your CV, contact recruiters directly, and/or join groups of like-minded professionals who can offer advice and act as bridges to potential job leads. Via these platforms, you can also highlight your professional achievements and showcase your skills.

On the other hand, according to a CareerBuilder survey, 70 % of employers use social media as a means to screen candidates during the hiring process. It goes without saying, then, that what you post can be picked up by a potential employer, who may choose to pass up your application depending on the impression your online presence leaves them with.

So, how can you ensure that your digital trail does not harm your career prospects? Here are some red flags to avoid when engaging on social media.

Posting controversial photos

You may like to let your hair down during your off hours, and it is perfectly alright to spend your private life any way you wish. However, pictures of excessive partying, drinking and uninhibited behaviour may not go down well with a potential employer, who might choose to go for a candidate with a more modest digital presence.

Engaging in polarising discussions

Social media has opened up spaces where expression is free and all opinions are valid and worthy of being heard. There is a downside, though; strong political opinions or divisive stances may put you at odds with an employer, especially if your views go against the company’s values. Refrain from partaking in such discussions in public online spaces.

Displaying aggressive or negative behaviour

Trolling and online harassment are, of course, major no-no’s and can even put the perpetrator in trouble with the law. There are, however, more subtle behaviours that may cost you good job opportunities, for example making offensive or derogatory comments in public forums, or making disrespectful remarks under people’s posts.

Complaining about your current work situation

Is your manager, colleague, or client driving you crazy? Don’t broadcast it on social media, as it may come back to bite you. Save your rant for your close circle only, and don’t leave written traces on it in cyberspace.

Overall, social media can be a great asset for your professional life, but there are pitfalls to its unconstrained use. Review your current accounts and do a thorough purge, getting rid of any content that you wouldn’t want an employer to see. To further protect yourself, separate your professional from your personal accounts, and set the latter to ‘private’. Keeping a close eye on how you present yourself online will have huge benefits for your career now and in the future.

For more information on how to reinforce your professional presence, read our article on building and improving your personal brand.

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