Career Killers: 4 Sins of Social Media

Don’t kill your career through social media

Social media may have been conceived as a ‘social’ tool but it is now well and truly entrenched in the professional world of millions of individuals.  Whether it is Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter all present the opportunity to develop your professional brand, position yourself as an ‘expert’ and strengthen your career prospects.

With the merging of professional and personal lives it can be challenging not to sink your career if you are not careful.  Here are some pitfalls to avoid where social media is concerned:

Double Life

Separating your personal and professional life on social media is challenging if not almost impossible some may argue.  Although ethically questionable, more and more employers are checking candidate’s and employee’s social network profiles.  Provocative photos, or excessive drinking although not necessarily illegal go to character and employers are likely to be bias if only unconsciously.

Disrespecting the Boss

Whether or not you accept your boss as a ‘friend’ or have them as a ‘connection’ 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 racist or sexist comments may have you in bigger trouble than you think.

Criticising the Client

Seems simply enough, however, time and time again I talk to clients who have had employees say things about a client they would rather not have aired.  Don’t ever complain about a client online.  It makes you look unprofessional in the eyes of colleagues, bosses, clients and prospects.

Disclosing Client Secrets

A seemingly innocent comment about a project 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.

Although, separating your personal life from your professional life on social media is challenging separation is actually the key.  Business and personal contacts is a recipe for disaster so managing this is important.  Give thought to which professional colleagues you want to engage with on social media.  Once you accept them they will see everything you post.  And do you really want your work colleagues or boss to see what you get up to on a weekend?

How do you keep your personal and professional life separate?  Or does it actually not bother you?

Thanks for reading!

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Tags: Brand Awareness • Online Brand Reputation • Social Media Career Killers • social media in the workplace