How to Avoid Common Social Media Pitfalls and Improve

your Online Image

Presented by: Tina Myles, Esq., SPHR

Director Human Resources,

InfoCision Management Corporation

Why should you care?

• Social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) is a great tool to help you find a job or promote your career.

• In 2010, between 50-68% of employers report that they search for information about prospective employees using social media.

• The internet is forever.

Why you need to create an online image.

• If you don’t create it for yourself, someone else may have the opportunity to do it for you.

What is your online image?• Is it you?

• Is it professional?

• Would you want your online presence working for you? (and be honest)

Do:• Use social media! It’s not going away.

Do:• Be consistent

• Make sure you resume and LinkedIn profile match each other.

Do:• Keep your private life private and your professional life

professional.

• Be careful whom you “friend” on Facebook• Don’t forget your privacy settings.

Do:

• Building a network before you need it is a great way to utilize your network when you need it. – Don’t forget that you have to give to get. Networking works both

ways.

Do:• Participate in groups and discussions related to your

field.

• Helps gain insight into what the field is about

• Learn about trends and opportunities

Don’t:• Disclose confidential or proprietary information on sites.

• Do not make inappropriate comments about work or co-workers on social media.

• Most companies now have policies concerning computer and network usage.

Don’t• Post anything you think might be in questionable taste to

some people.

• Athletes have guilty of this, as several have tweeted themselves right out of a job.

Don’t:• Spend hours of your workday on social media.

Top 10 Turn-off’s for Employers• References to drug abuse• Extremist/ intolerant

views, including racism/ sexism

• Criminal activity• Evidence of excessive

alcohol consumption• Inappropriate pictures,

including nudity

• Foul language• Links to unsuitable

websites• Lewd jokes• Silly email addresses• Membership to pointless/

silly groups

Conclusion:• Is your online profile and image something you would be

proud to show your mother or grandmother?

• Is it something you would be excited to show your boss or potential employer?