You might not think much about it but potentially, social media can damage your career.
All it takes is a simple search on any search engine or social networking site to find out everything you’ve said and made public.
To avoid damaging your chances of getting a remote job, here are some social media dos and don’ts.
Do: Establish an Online Presence
Use social media to your advantage.
Instead of spending much of your time mindlessly scrolling, you might want to maximize your presence on your social media platforms.
Build a personal brand that would best reflect you and your values.
Nowadays, LinkedIn is the go-to website for looking for a job. Our very own Remote Staff web page also has a page dedicated to job listings.
Take time to network with people in your niche so you can land a job.
What you might also not know is that hiring managers now check on their candidates’ social media accounts to see if they are a good fit for the company.
Thus, always remember to be on your best behavior in all your interactions and posts, especially on public accounts.
Don’t: Post Overly Political or Inappropriate Jokes
“Everything is political,” according to one famous quote.
And while you are entitled to your own political beliefs, it may not be wise to post them on social media.
Oftentimes, publishing your hot takes or jokes about the government can backfire, especially if your potential employer has opposing views.
Don’t even get started on posting off-color jokes. It will only get you in trouble.
Do: Audit Your Social Media Accounts
If you have had your social media accounts for quite some time, chances are that your old posts no longer reflect your current views.
Thus, go back and check your digital footprint. See if there are any photos or previously shared opinions that don’t resonate with you anymore.
Moving forward, think about how you want to present yourself online personally and professionally.
Don’t: Share Too Much Personal Information
There is a difference between establishing an authentic social media presence and sharing too much.
The frequency of your postings and the type of content should depend on your profession.
For instance, you wouldn’t expect doctors or lawyers to share memes. However, if you work in marketing or the media, then you have more leeway.
Ultimately, the key here is to share insights that add value to your readers.
Do: Engage With People on Your Socials
One great use of social media is connecting with thought leaders and entrepreneurs.
If you have a company you wish to join, start by following its management on their socials.
This way, you gain insights that could come in handy during your job interview.
Don’t: Criticize Your Current Job
Of course, no job is perfect.
However, exercise caution when you post about a bad day. Complaining about your job publicly can have negative effects.
You could be reprimanded, fired, or worse, sued by your company in some circumstances.
Further, these types of posts can make your future employers rethink hiring you.
Rather than publicly criticizing your current job or company, channel that energy into writing thought-provoking pieces about your career or industry instead.
One Final Word
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool. There are countless success stories of how it helped people land their dream job.
However, it can also be quite dangerous. Always be mindful of what you share and post.
How about you? Have you been using your social media correctly?
If you are looking to kickstart your remote working career, be it in social media or elsewhere, Remote Staff currently has several job openings in multiple industries.
You can also check out the company’s socials for relevant news as well as other valuable insights in our blog posts.
Register with us today!