Remember the adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"? It's high time you apply that in all your social media accounts.
In a world where everybody is friends and updated with everbody, it is very important that you are careful with what you choose to say - or post for this matter.
A new research from OfficeTeam reveals the most common social media mistakes that cost employees and even job seekers their jobs or positions. Based on the research, 45% of human resources (HR) managers cited writing negative or inappropriate comments as one of the reasons behind employees losing their jobs or job seekers losing that chance for a certain position. The survey also revealed about one in three (35 percent) also saying that posting or being tagged in questionable photos is the prevailing digital faux pas.
An infographic of the survey results show the common mistakes as ranked by HR. The question was: "In your opinion, what is the most common social media mistake professionals make that reduces their chances of being hired?"
Posting negative or inappropriate comments | 45% |
Posting or being tagged in inappropriate or risque photos | 35% |
Not posting regularly; having incomplete, dated or no social media profiles | 17% |
Other/don't know | 3% |
100% |
Brandi Britton, a district president for OfficeTea, said "People often believe posting on social media is just harmless fun, but in reality, employers frequently look online to learn about prospective hires. Professionals should think beyond eliminating unflattering content from their digital accounts to how they can wow hiring managers by showcasing career accomplishments and industry involvement."
The company further identified five kinds of professionals who are common commit social media faux pas and provides tips to help avoid these monikers:
1. The Cranky Critic is someone who is not afraid in sharing off-putting remarks with the world. There are no off limits.
2. The Superfluous Selfie Poster, on the other hand, is someone who has no shortage of social media photos, some of which are not office-appropriate.
3. The TMI Transgressor is someone who posts every detail when attending a parties, conferences, or meetings or when laying games, shopping, etc.
4. The Connection Counter is a person who invites everybody to join his or her network, regardless if he or she knows him or her.
5. The Nonchalant Networker, lastly, is somewho who takes a lackadaisical approach to social media. This individual's online profiles are sparse, and updates are few and far between.
