We always hear the adage, “Be careful what you say.” This is especially true when writing things on social media pages like, Facebook and Twitter. Employers are getting more and more into the practice of looking at social media and how their employees (or prospective employees) handle this information outlet.
Singer (2013), expounds on how some universities look at social media and how the student conducts themselves. As we know, universities are not the only places where social media affects decisions. “Admissions officials also said they had occasionally rejected applicants, or revoked their acceptances, because of online materials” (2013). Employers can be added to this list of potential social media screeners. Some companies dislike this pervasive practice and abandon the activity of bringing social media as a screening tool (2013).
An interesting example about social media and the decisions came up in my writing class. This may sound funny, but a student’s mother rejected an applicant because he or she was wearing a cheesehead hat! Well, the person was also intoxicated. But, this example shows how social media can rack up bad effects to a person’s personal portfolio.
How do we use social media to promote ourselves with an overall positive image? In writing class, the professor told us that providing a Facebook, with professional overtone will make them think, ‘Wow this person is professional on and off paper”. Another student in my writing class, commented that a friend utilized this strategy and landed a job! I was thinking, “wow, that is amazing that someone landed a job just by having a professional Facebook page!” Intuition says that if you’re going to use social media, don’t use it to vent frustrations. Use it as a professional conduit.
One thing that is not a good idea is trying to hide your tracks. Information can still be accessed even if you deleted it. Singer (2013) interviewed a high school senior that had some an astute observation. The student stated, “ deleting it is kind of like joining two more clubs senior year to list on your application to try to make you seem more like the person they want at their schools”(2013). I was blown by the fact that employers would go to such lengths to maintain their reputation. They want their employees and prospective employees to be model citizens. I understand this logic. Their employees are walking representation of what a company stands for.
An actuary is a professional that is responsible for making very important decisions that may impact several groups of people in a society. Would a company want to hire an actuary that has inflammatory statements on social media? Does an actuary have pictures on their social media account that does not promote a message of professionalism? These two questions are relevant when deciding whether to hire one actuary over another. Of course, a company would rather hire someone that presents themselves as professionals in all aspects of life.
So, the next post you decide to post on Facebook or Twitter, be wary of what you write. In the end, the post may come back to haunt you. Or, you can make social media an exceptional tool of your professionalism. Choose wisely!