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If you’re like the majority of social media users today, at one point or another, you’ve probably experienced a tinge of regret after pressing the “post’ button. When it comes to social media, there can be serious repercussions to what you post and share.
If you’re a job seeker, you’re probably doing some research on the company you are applying with. Well, you can be sure that employers are doing their own research on you as well. In fact, one study found 36% of companies have actually disqualified job candidates after doing an online search or viewing an applicant’s social media. When it comes to photos, the same study reports that 43% of job applicants have pictures or posts relating to “under the influence” behaviour. As an employer, what kind of first impression would this leave you with? Probably not a great one.
One recruiter from a US-based Medical Transcription employer weighed in on her views of social media use by job seekers. She stated that many recruiters “troll” Facebook pages that are
connected with Medical Transcription of any kind. Believe it or not, some comments made on social media can actually disqualify you from a job. Recruiters far and wide are relying on social media more and more, making note of people who are “chronic complainers” and have nothing but axes to grind about companies and schools. One recruiter even said her company in particular would not even consider hiring someone who did that.
Inappropriate social media behavior doesn’t just affect job seekers; it can also have negative repercussions for students and current employees. Believe it or not, CanScribe students have faced expulsion for posting test answers in Facebook groups. Annually, many people around the world lose jobs because of their social media mistakes. While what you may not consider a certain post or photo to be inappropriate, some employers will. It’s important to step back and take a precautious approach to your social media behaviour.
Taking preventative measures and being cognizant of your online behavior can be the key to promoting yourself as a respectable potential employee and improve your chances of being considered for a job.
The moral of the story? Watch what you post. It may come back to bite you!