5 Mistakes You’re Making On Social Media That Prevent You from Getting Your Dream Job

Have you ever been passed up on a job and wondered what went wrong? You shined during the interview process and felt like you nailed it.

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts … (Shakespeare, As You Like It)

No words better sum up the madness of the stage in which we all play a part in the era of social media. The lines between private and public have blurred. Everything is “shared” and “liked.” Selfies are the new norm. Knee-jerk reactions and brazen commentaries have replaced consideration and thoughtful responses.

There are no filters, and Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram have become a safe-haven to express everything and anything that comes to mind.

But it’s just social media, right? It’s not like prospective employers are paying attention.

Wrong.

Jobvite's 2014 Social Recruiting Survey cites that “53% of recruiters have reconsidered a candidate based on their social profile (up 13% from 2013).”

Here are 5 mistakes that you are making on social media that might be preventing you from getting your dream job.

1. Overshare: Consider this. Would you stand in any organization’s mail room and scream that you’re getting drunk and having sex over the weekend with your old high school girlfriend? When you post this, that’s pretty much what you’re doing, with a megaphone, while running through your potential employer’s offices. This (though it should go without saying) applies to any illegal activities. Drunk selfies and too-many posts about alcohol use, sex, and partying are also concerning. Keep things discreet. Post about a great concert and music, if you must. Not the following madness.
2. The Comma Matters: Spelling and grammar mistakes can turn an employer off in a post. Spelling and grammar are the window to level of education and attention to detail. Pay attention to its and it’s. Please.
3. Oh the Drama! The morning depression, indignation about someone’s driving, calling out anybody who doesn’t support a cause. Great for Shakespeare and our favorite Netflix shows, not for the office. Drama posts are red flags for potential employers. If your page is wrought with drama and stress, then you will no doubt bring this to the workplace.
4. Criticizing a Potential Employer: This should be obvious. We’re writing it here because, well, apparently it’s not.
5. Keep The Stumping to a Minimum: Stumping, ranting and raving about your political affiliations can be a turn off to potential employers. Certainly your page is a reflection of who you are and it will be clear from your posts. But if there’s an inordinate bulk of political posts, it might cause a potential employer to take pause and reconsider a candidate.

So what’s left to post?

Employers look positively on those who post about volunteer work, share interesting articles and information, and find ways to put their best foot forward.

In the flurry of social media, so many have forgotten some basic social norms. Just as you wouldn’t go to an interview in your bathrobe and slippers, you should take the time to keep your social media accounts classy. Take an objective look at your social media sites. Consider yourself from the perspective of a potential employer. Would you hire you? Who you are online is just as important as who you are during the interviewing process.

And THINK. Is it thoughtful, helpful, inspiring, necessary, kind? If so, post away! (Check your spelling, though!)