Once Posted, Always Posted
Seventy percent of job recruiters rejected candidates based on information they found online. It is important to always be aware of what your personal brand online is telling future employers. Your digital footprint is always available for all to see, so it is imperative that while cultivating your personal brand, you stay mindful of how negative “press” can impact your future.
SHARE WITH CARE: While you may find something entertaining and share it with your followers, you should always be mindful of what people outside your friend group may perceive as offensive or inappropriate.
KNOW YOUR FRIENDS: Think about who you are giving access to when you post. If you are trying to create a public persona, consider creating a business page on Facebook that you can invite all to like.
CHECK OUT: Updating your location at all times offers the opportunity for strangers to know your location and habits. 7.5 million people are stalked every year according to nonprofit National Center for Victims of Crime and the highest rates of victims are teenagers and those in their early 20s.
BE AWARE: It may seem like fun to do something silly with friends, but there are always people watching and you never know who may pull out their camera at an inopportune time to make you the star of a Snapchat story.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Don’t post anything that you would not want your future employer to see. Even with a private profile, you never know who may take screenshots or be given access to your information.
THE GOLDEN RULE: Post photos of others as you would have them post about you.
All of this is not to suggest deleting all your social media accounts is the only option. A strong, appropriate personal brand is a great positive to employers. By being cautious with what is posted about you and what you share with the world online, you can create a strong future for yourself. As National Cyber Security Awareness Month ends, we continue to challenge you this October to STOP. THINK. CONNECT. and be safe online!
