By Marie Fernandes |Staff Writer|
Is that selfie or status update really worth jeopardizing a career?
Social networking websites should be used as a tool that can help build networks and land us the job we want. The content and pictures we include on our social media pages can reveal a lot about who we are as an individual or who we want others to think we are. We create our own brand.
“I’ve had some professors tell me everyone should be careful with their activity on social media,” said student Elena Diaz. “But it’s too much of a hassle to question whether or not I should post something every single time I want to put something online.”
People should be wary of posting every detail of their lives because some things can be embarrassing.
“I know someone who posts status updates on how she hates her job and coworkers all the time,” said student Robert Solis. “That could get her in serious trouble with her employer but she does not even think twice when she does it.”
The sad reality is that most people post things online without giving it a second thought. There is a false assumption that our use of social media can be kept separate from their professional lives.
Some employers will look at our Facebook and Twitter profiles to get a sense of who we are and to see if we might be a good fit for the company.
“I overheard one of my bosses say that she did not want to hire someone who was a potential candidate because she did not like that this person had pictures of herself on her Facebook that depicted her as a reckless person who drinks all the time,” said student Mike Stevens.
We should all remember that there is a fine line between what is tasteful or tacky in terms of what we post online.
Future employers are lurking around the corner online and they will judge us for what we post and the pictures they see of us. Profile pictures should be the best representation of us.
“My old boss told me that everyone should have a profile picture that demonstrates that they are dressing for the job that they want and not for the one they currently have,” said student Alfonso Perez.
I live by the rule that we should not post anything that we would be uncomfortable with our mom or dad reading or seeing. Pictures and status updates can be deleted but the image of yourself that you create online will leave a lasting impression on people. If you feel even one second of doubt about whether or not you should post something in particular, do not post it. Our reputation is everything in the workforce and in our daily lives, so be smart and do not tarnish it for the purpose of being cool or unique online.
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