When I work with professionals who are interviewing to find a new job, I examine several items. I look at their resume (or help them create one). I sometimes do a DISC Assessment (so that I can take a look at their behaviors and motivators). I also take a look at their social media posts.
There are two areas that I think every professional should consider:
- YOUR POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS MAY CHECK YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
After all, they sometimes look for a few things you haven’t told them or brought up in a job interview to make sure that you walk your talk and are really the person they want to hire. They want a solid new employee to work with their team and organization.
What you think is funny may appear that way to someone who is checking your social media, such as Facebook. Some of the folks who tell me that they don’t put anything controversial on social media actually do have content that could be seen as offensive. Some of the posts use language that they certainly shouldn’t use in a workplace.
- CONSIDER NOT POSTING YOUR POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS VIEWS
I have a friend who only aligns with one political party. It does not matter who is part of that party, he supports them, encourages them and glorifies them.
The other day I asked him if he only served people who are part of that party. He told me that he served people of both parties. (I knew the answer he would give.) He said that his Facebook was only for his friends and they all know how he feels.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Do you post sensible things on any social media where you post?
- Do your employees put things out in the social media universe that could be damaging?
- Would it be better to reign in some of those opinions so that you attract new customers, rather than take a chance of repelling them?
