Social Media Etiquette: Top 4 Do’s and Don'ts for Employees

Today, your social media profile isn't only for socializing. It can also influence your chances of getting hired for a job. Your resume can only take you so far. However, using social media to highlight your skills and knowledge can attract more employers.

Hence, it would help if you practice social media etiquette; you want to ensure that you show positive and professional behaviors. With 78% of employers believing that the social media profile of their current employees should be work-appropriate, you should maintain a good image online.

So, how do you make yourself look presentable on social media? Read more to find out the top social media dos and don'ts for employees.

Top 4 Do's

Here are four best practices in social media when applying for a job.

1. Follow basic social media policy

   Each brand has its own social media policy, referring to how they use social media to create an image of its brand. Once you send an application to a company, you can check their social media platforms.

   Observe how they use their social media to interact with their customers. Review the tone of their captions. Do they appear casual or formal? With this knowledge, you can start curating your profiles similar to the company you applied for.

2. Be respectful

   Remember that on the internet, a post is never private. When you delete a post, there are still chances that someone has already saved a copy or can retrieve it. So, think twice before posting content that might appear or sound insulting to others.

   Learn the social media do's and don'ts for employees and focus on maintaining professionalism on social media.

3. Create an appealing profile

   In your professional account, use a decent photo and share relevant updates and information. You can even share the contents of the company you applied for.

   You can even post positive remarks about your past work experiences. This way, you give the impression that you're a grateful employee.

   You can still show a little bit of personality by sharing fun content. However, ensure that these contents don't hold negative implications.

4. Make a separate personal profile

   Some people struggle with posting content that appears inappropriate to others. Thus, it's hard for them to create an image of professionalism on social media.

   If you have the same concern, create a separate professional profile for social media screening to retain your privacy.

Top 4 Don'ts

Here are four things not to do on social media when applying for a job.

1. Don't exaggerate

   Exaggerating your information on social media may result in your recruiter verifying your resume. It may appear as if you're showing something you're not, which is a huge concern in social media etiquette.

   Ensure that all the information you put in your resume correctly translates to what you show on social media.

2. Don't be rude

   Not being rude is a basic social media etiquette everyone should follow. It's more important when you're applying for a job.

   Your social media is your platform, and you can post any content. But when applying for a job, your inappropriate posts can cost you the position. Employers may find potential red flags that can negatively affect how they see you.

3. Avoid oversharing personal information

   It's where separating your professional and personal accounts come in handy. If you only have one account, avoid sharing too much personal information. Doing so can affect your professionalism on social media.

   As a result, recruiters can form biases against you if you post inappropriate personal content.

4. Don't speak ill of previous employers

   Your recruiter may see it as a major red flag if you badmouth your previous employers on social media. They may think that you can also do such with the company. As a result, this may lower your chances of getting hired.

Social Media Etiquette in Employment

Social media has an all-around role in today's world. It can affect the hiring and termination process.

The best way to learn the social media do's and don'ts for employees is to analyze how a company handles its profiles. Consider your profile an extension of theirs and behave accordingly.

No company to apply for yet? Head to Career.com and find the best one for you!