There’s no question that social media is a powerful communication tool. LinkedIn has 200 million users, Facebook more than a billion, and Twitter over 500 million.
Although LinkedIn dominates job search and recruiting, other sites are also being utilized. Forbes reported that over 50% of recruiters use Facebook and nearly 46% use Twitter (based on a survey by Bullhorn). Facebook is expected to capture a larger share of the recruiting market once it launches Graph Search, a tool that will allow searches based on where people work.
With a significant number of users and recruiters tapping into these sites, it’s a wonder why some people are cavalier in their comments. Take the following real examples.
- Changing your profile to indicate you’re looking for a new job. Your current employer can see this information.
Making inappropriate comments that might filter back to your employer such as the following.
- “90% of the time when I’m at work, I play around on the Internet and steal tea/snacks from the kitchen.” This comment could easily result in job loss.
- “If you have a child between the ages of 11-18 please beat they ass often because you may not see but they are giving teachers HELL!!!” This was from a teacher. Not only is the message inappropriate, it’s poorly written.
- “One more hour…it can’t go by fast enough. I need out of this hellhole” #ihatemyjob This was written during work.
- “You wish some people would just disappear off the face of the earth” #myboss #hateher
- “Want to kill someone bt cant ahhh…” #myboss
Caution should be used when posting to these and any other Internet sites. Assume your current or future employer will gain access to what you’ve written. Make sure your words won’t influence the way they see you.
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About the Author
Pam Waits has more than 20 years of experience in human resources with 10 years in the top HR spot for mid-sized companies. She currently works as a Human Resources consultant. Additionally, she holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Pam is also a writer and humorist, defying the perception that human resource professionals lack a sense of humor. She’s a leader who believes humor is an important part of a healthy business culture and a necessary part of life. If you’re too busy to laugh, you’re too busy.
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