What Not to Share on Social Media When Job Searching

What Not to Share on Social Media When Job SearchingWhat Not to 3The vast open spaces of social media can seem like a free-for-all when it comes to sharing tidbits about your life and offering your thoughts about everything from current events to what you ate for dinner. But what you share on social media can have lasting effects- not all of them good- so it pays to exercise caution.That said, dont shy away from using social media in your job search. The trick is to share on social media in a smart way, making sure to post honest and above-board information, and leaving out extraneous details and minutiae that dont serve you in your search for work.If youre looking for a job, check out these suggestions about what notto share on social mediaComplaints About Your Current Job or EmployerDont use social media as a platform to air your grievances about your current job or an immediate past job. Refrain from complaining about a specific job or supervisor by name. Laying out your issues in such a public forum shows a decided lack of discretion and disregard for confidentiality that, chances are, wont sit well with potential future employers.Silly or Outrageous Likes and OpinionsTo be sure, job seekers need to be on social media, and have every right under the First Amendment to voice their thoughts on politics, religion, and other hot-button issues. But keep in mind the possible repercussions of your heartfelt thoughts with future employers. In other words, you may be perfectly comfortable- or even feel its to your advantage- to make your opinions known. But do so in a thoughtful way that demonstrates youve given serious consideration to your words, as opposed to ranting.Current Work-Related Plans or ProjectsHeres a big no-no being loose-lipped with details about confidential or proprietary projects you may be working on for your current employer, or about work assignments that you were involved with in the past. Sharing details on social media about competitive proj ects isnt just a matter of poor judgment, it may also get you into legal hot water.Frequent Status UpdatesIf you want to project a sense of stability that future employers may find reassuring, do your best to keep from updating your status at the drop of a hat. Letting the world know about every change in your personal- and professional- status may come across as, well, a bit flaky. Figure out whether youre OK with that, or if youd be better off not offering it all up on a platter for public consumption.Risque Personal or Recreational PursuitsHeres where you may greatly benefit by protecting your privacy in choosing what- and what not- to share on social media. Protect yourself and your privacy, and dont assume that baring your soul on social media will be received with open arms by current or potential employers.Compromising Photos and Indiscriminate TaggingIts fairly obvious to say you may want to stay away from posting photos of yourself chugging a bottle of alcohol or in heavy-d uty party mode. You also may want to think twice about tagging acquaintances in photos where people may be captured in a less-than-flattering light. Just as you want to protect your own privacy, you dont want to be tagged in a photo posted by someone else that may prove detrimental to your job search efforts.Home Address and Phone NumbersIf youre in serious job search mode, you certainly want to get your name and credentials out in the marketplace to boost your chances as you search for flexible jobs. But youdontwant to broadcast your personal information to the world at large. Keeping your personal information off social media platforms will keep you safer not only in your job search, but in your personal life as well.Readers, do you have tips about what not to share on social media while job searching? Share them with us below