Social Media Etiquette

I recently had a conversation with one of my soldiers about LinkedIn and the benefits of having an updated profile not only when searching for a job, but also for networking and making great contacts in the business
space.  You never know when you might be in a position to find a new opportunity, or help someone in your network as well.  Then it occurred to me…what my readers might find useful would be a quick overview of social media etiquette, and an advisory message on what NOT to do.  So….here goes...

DO

1.  Keep your contact information and profile current.  This goes for LinkedIn and other professional job board sites.  It doesn’t matter that you might not be currently looking for a job.  My advice would be to keep up on your currency.  This is a must have on LinkedIn specifically.

2.  Seek out best practices, obtain several examples of other profiles, and tailor your submission to match your personality and objectives.  Nothing says “pass!” to a potential recruiter like having to read an awful profile.

3.  Continually update your network.  This doesn’t mean you should randomly reach out to everyone in your current company to be a contact or in your network, but it does mean that you should periodically revisit your contacts to update who you know.  You meet people every now and then….add them to your network!

4.  Post some specific career field articles that interest you.  If you are in finance, post something about that field.  You never know when it might generate valuable discussion and insights which turn into opportunities.

DON’T

1.  Post pictures of your latest Friday night activities, which might include your dubious attire or something not directly related to you keeping your job.  Seriously people….it’s not like you haven’t seen this advice before.  Think before you hit the “post” button.

2.  Overshare.  You all know what I am talking about.  Everyone doesn’t need to know that you stopped off at the local Pump n Munch for a $1.49 Slim Jim 30 seconds after you told them you were leaving your cousin Jimmy's house.  Unless you are trying to establish an alibi (which is a completely different conversation), stop with the constant updates!

3.  Be cryptic with your posts.  For everyone who posts something on social media to the effect of, “I am sad L” it is obvious that you are reaching out and wanting attention.  Companies look for people who are emotionally mature and socially well adjusted.  Ensure that your posts are thoughtful and serve a purpose.  I like to say, if it doesn’t have the 5 W’s, it probably isn’t a value added post.

4.  Post or Tweet when you are emotional or intoxicated.  The rules might change subtly depending on the social media site you are using, but make no mistake; once you share something, you can’t take it back.  True, you might be able to delete your post, or tweet, or blog, etc.  But somewhere, somehow, someone has a copy.  Be absolutely sure that you want your audience to see what it is you are tweeting.

As a general rule, if it is not something you would blurt out face to face in a conversation, don’t do it on the interweb! 

Networking is the key to finding your next position.  Get out there and do it in an intelligent and responsible fashion!