Social Media Dos and Don'ts

DOs

Show Your Personality  Employers hire people they like and want to spend time with. In an interview, it is possible that an employer will ask about hobbies and personal interests to get to know the candidate on a human level. Take advantage before the interview and use Facebook to showcase personal experiences. Post photos of a big trip or community involvement to share a more personal side.

Go Back in Time  Facebook never forgets. Be aware that recruiters and potential employers will not only look at Facebook profiles, they will go back in time to the earlier posts. No one, not even the most careful candidate, wants recruiters to see photos or posts of them from their teenage years. Monitor content now, and go back in time to delete content from the early days.

Network  Facebook’s networking abilities should not be overlooked. Job seekers can use this pool of connections in two ways. First, to secure an interview by reaching out to the whole network of friends, which significantly increases potential job opportunities. Second, once an interview is secured, look for friends and friends of friends to see if there is an existing connection to the organization. During this process, make sure to treat each connection as a possible client, colleague, or manager.

  
DON'Ts

Post Illegal Activities A lot of experimenting goes on in high school and college. But when evidence is involved you become exposed to repercussions from your education institution and public authorities; where these consequences can leave an impact on the rest of your life. Privacy settings cannot always be trusted either- anyone can save incriminating videos or pictures for use against you later.

Trash Your Professionals Bullying doesn't just apply to student-to-student interactions. Students who speak poorly of their instructors run a huge risk, too. After all, each instructor could hold the key to a crucial grade, reference, or internship for you. As well as your professors have a right to privacy and respect. The same goes for institutions or persons of authority in general, not just educators.

Post Confidential Information This piece of advice goes for every social media user, not just students. Posting that your apartment will be empty for all of spring break invites to play while you’re away. Or when taking a picture of next semester class schedule to send and compare with friends- make sure your classes are all that you’re sharing and not your ID number at the top of the page. When you share one bit of information, think about what other pieces of privacy are linked to it- like your safety.

Post Emotionally
 We've all said and done things we regret. However, whenever possible, take a moment to imagine how your social media posts affect the feelings, safety and well-being of those around you — even your least favorites. Posting an angry tweet in the heat of the moment may feel liberating, but the momentary pleasure you get from writing it isn't worth the potential harm it could create. Pause before you post.