In this era of digital age, it is difficult for anyone not to own a social media account – be it a Facebook, Youtube, Instagram or Twitter. And why not? It grants us the space to share our memories, our daily routines or important life events and even to freely express our personal opinions on certain topics.

However, what if we at some point, had shared too much? And in some extreme cases, at the expense of being potentially hired?

Are Employers Screening Your Social Media?

You may think, “Nah, employers wouldn’t dedicate the time out of their busy schedule to look at what I post.” You are wrong – they do! According to 2018 CareerBuilder Survey, 70 percent of employers use social media to screen candidates during the recruitment process, and about 43 percent of them use social media to check on current employees.

If you still would like to stay qualified under the radar of companies you’ll like to work with, here are some useful tips on what to avoid posting within your social media platforms:

Follow These Don’ts’:

1. Do not use profanity in your communicative language, post racism or sexism comments

Dropping the F-bombs are strictly a no-no! Excessive use of curse words, being intensely argumentative, or throwing off sexist or racist remarks will immediately put you on the backseat of being shortlisted by your desired employers or, not at all.

2. Do not upload provocative, suggestive photos

Pictures paint a thousand words, and the right ones can portray a positive impression of yourself. However, unwanted images can also rob you out of an employment opportunity. The next time you think of uploading your beach bod photo or of that tight dress you’re flaunting at a party, think twice before doing it.

3. Do not complain about your previous (or current) job or employers

Maya Angelou’s words are never truer – “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” If you find yourself in that difficult spot, focus instead on generating efforts to make the situation better.

4. Do not use poor grammar or spelling in your sentences

Don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re”? It is time to learn, at least by utilising a grammar check. Employers are very particular on your language proficiency in both verbal and written form which will dictate how far you can go in your professional career.

5. Do not lie about your beliefs

Honesty is the best policy. If you uphold a certain belief that means a lot to you, do tell the truth to your future employers. You do not wish to get caught perpetuating a false belief such as how you love working on a team in your interview but posted on your social media that you dislike people in general.

What Should I Post Then?

Be gracious in conveying your thoughts and appear kind and compassionate, especially to strangers. If you have recently attended a community or charitable works within your community, do shout out about them – these will earn you good brownie points to building your overall professional image. Similarly, you can also post your athletic or intellectual accomplishments, such as having reached the top at your latest hiking trail or successfully completed your leadership training.

Being a job seeker trying to secure that dream job of yours is tough enough – so don’t make it any harder yourself.

Be a professional today, even within your virtual presence. Unless you make your social media private, you don’t know who is watching.

Concept and written by : Rizky Anggara

Design by : Risky Ramanda