5 Social Media Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid
They may seem like fun and innocent posts and pictures, but new research shows that certain social media behavior can take you out of the running for a new job.
The study from staffing firm OfficeTeam found that the biggest online mistakes people make that reduce their chances of being hired, according to human resource managers, are posting negative or inappropriate comments (45 percent), posting or being tagged in inappropriate or risque photos (35 percent), and not posting regularly or having incomplete social media profiles (17 percent).
"Being conscious of what your privacy settings are, untagging yourself from inappropriate photos, and really controlling who has access to what information is critical," said Dora Onyschak, branch manager of OfficeTeam in Woodbridge.
OfficeTeam identified five types of online users who commit social media faux pas and provided some tips to help avoid becoming one of these monikers:
- 1
The Cranky Critic
The person that is not shy about sharing off-color remarks with the world. No subject is off-limits to them. Exercise discretion when posting these opinions on social media sites or comment sections because you never know who might see them.
- 2
The Superfluous Selfie Poster
You have surely come across this on social media before. These massive amounts of photos are not always office-appropriate and could suggest an inflated ego. Experts recommend untagging or removing photos that may raise eyebrows.
- 3
The TMI Transgressor
This social media user posts every detail when attending a party, playing a game, or basically any other moment of their life whether you care to know or not. Experts advise that certain topics may make you appear to be unprofessional and to use your best judgement when sharing updates.
- 4
The Connection Counter
The person who invites just about anyone to join his or her network. This person favors quantity over quality. The advice is to be selective about who you connect with and focus on fostering meaningful professional relationships.
- 5
The Nonchalant Networker
Takes a lackadaisical approach to social media with sparse updates, which are few and far between. Experts recommend you highlight your work history and accomplishments on sites like LinkedIn. Also, consider including key terms that describe your skills and experience to help employers more easily find you.