When It Comes to Social Media You Need to Play Both Offense and Defense

Dan from Conscious Careers asked me to take a look at this post…

http://conscious.careers/job-search/facebook-keeping-getting-job

I did — and I liked it so much I’m reposting it here.

Many times I’ve advised my career mentoring clients to take a hard look at their social media posts — because you can bet potential employers will be doing so.  If they don’t like what they see you’ll never get to dazzle them with your brilliance in an interview.

When it comes to social media you need to play both offense and defense.  Let me tell you what I mean by this.

Play offense on LinkedIn.  Because LinkedIn is a professional network few people offer up overly personal information.  That’s why you should play offense.  Participate in groups in your field and your industry.  Make intelligent, through provoking comments.  Add insights of your own.  Get known as someone who adds value to your groups and contacts.  Become known as a thought leaders.

Play defense on Facebook and Twitter.  Because these social networks are more personal in nature, people often come to regret some of the photos and comments they post.  You play defense by asking yourself a simple question before you post anything — “What will a potential employer think of this post?”  If you think that the post will enhance your status with potential employers, go ahead and post.  It you have the slightest bit of doubt about how a potential employer will react to your post, don’t do it.  This is what I mean about playing defense.

I don’t spend a lot of time on Facebook, but when I’m there I often come across some posts that anger me. I choose not to join the fray.  I don’t respond to posts that I feel are offensive, obscene or just downright stupid.  I suggest you don’t either.  No sense in getting in a flame war on line.  All that will do is hurt your image in the eyes of potential employers.

In general, I think it is a good idea to stay away from posting about religion or politics.  I know that in the USA we have something called freedom of speech.  You are entitled to post anything you want.  On the other hand, the fact that you are free to say what you think, doesn’t mean that you might not suffer the consequences of what you say.

So play it safe.  Play defense on Facebook and Twitter.  Transition into offense on LinkedIn — but even there, be smart about what you post.  Play offense by being a helpful, thoughtful contributor to the discussions in which you participate.

Your career mentor,

Bud

PS: I write this blog to help people create the life and career success they want and deserve.  Now I’m going one step further.  I’ve created a membership site in which I’ve pulled together my best thoughts on success.  And, as a reader of this blog, you can become a member for free.  Just go to  www.BudBilanich.com/join  to claim your free membership. You’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of success minded professionals.  I hope to see you there.