4 career killers to avoid on social media

Although social media was conceived as a social tool, it is now well and truly entrenched in the professional world. Whether it is Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter all present the opportunity to develop your professional social brand and strengthen your career prospects.

However, with the merging of professional and personal connections on social media, it can be challenging not to sink your career if you are not careful. Common sense seems to go out the window for some people when they are on social platforms.

Everything you post, comment on or share is a reflection of you as a person. It is important that what you post enhances your career, not undermines from it.

Here are some pitfalls to avoid on your personal social media:

Posting when you are upset

Separating your personal and professional life on social media is challenging if not almost impossible. Social media platforms are full of family and friends, however, also colleagues, managers, clients and stakeholders.  If you have had a bad day at work and are upset or emotional, it is best if you don’t post.  The traditional whinge at the pub in front of a few friends is not the same as complaining on social media.  It is likely to be seen by many more people and not all of them will be your family or friends.

Trashing your colleagues

Whether or not you accept your manager or colleagues as a friend you will eventually forget you are connected to them. Having a rant about how annoying they are will not get you any brownie points and reflects poorly on your judgment.  And any offensive, racist or sexist comments may land you in bigger trouble than you think.

Criticising a client

Seems simply enough, however, time and time again employees do exactly that. Don’t ever complain about a client on your social media.  Even if they are not part of your network, it will get back to them as well as your manager and employer.  Criticising a client is unprofessional full stop.

Disclosing sensitive information

A seemingly innocent comment about a project you are working on could well tip a client or prospective client’s hand. Be careful what you say about work on social media.  It could have ramifications beyond potentially losing your job.  There are legal obligations which may be breached and land you in hot water.

It is important to pause before you post when it comes to comments involving your professional life. It is much easier to think about what you are doing before you do it than it is to remove the damage it may cause to your professional career.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to ‘tweet’ or ‘repost’ this blog or subscribe to our newsletter for more tips.

Take a look at our website or Facebook page for more information about how we can support your business to use social media safely.

Tags: social Media • social media branding • Social Media Career Killers • social media reputation