Plenty of us use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tumblr as ways to interact with friends and stay up to date on what is going on in other people's lives. What many of us do not know is the impact social media can have in our lives?
There are many ways to use social media platforms, and it is not all just for our entertainment. Facebook, for example, can be used for business and to connect with people you don't personally know. Many of us keep our Facebooks private and merely for our inner circle, rather than making it a public page to advertise yourself, or your brand.
What most of us don't know is that you can use these social media platforms to market yourself as a brand. You have the capability to advertise yourself and make yourself desirable for employers for any kind of job. LinkedIn is a great example.
LinkedIn is a social media site where you create a resume as a profile. Others can view this profile to search for employees or ideas for their own profiles and job opportunities. If you do not have a LinkedIn account, make one! If you have one, always keep it updated. While you are on the website, look up other profiles in your area of work to see what they are doing, and what experience they have. It is an open way to look at your competition and get yourself in the running, as well as give you the opportunity to get noticed by employers. It is a great way to connect with people outside of your usual circle.
Twitter is an amazing platform that enables us to stay updated with current events, connect with companies, people, and even other countries. Many people use it to update people on their daily events, and this often includes complaints. This is extremely unattractive to potential employers, and I encourage you not to make updates such as these. If you have anything negative to say, keep to yourself. If you have a problem with a company, you can tweet them about your experience in a kind and helpful way, and sometimes even receive free or discounted things! Who doesn't love that?
There are so many positive ways to use these social media accounts, and yet it can easily go wrong if you are not careful. If an employer is looking at your Facebook account, and sees multiple pictures of you out at bars trashed with your friends, you are not likely to be a strong candidate for the job. Twitter can be brutal with your employment status if you tweet something inappropriate. You must be mindful and so cautious of what you are posting. My professor gave me great advice saying, "think three times before you post."
Justine Sacco, public relations executive for IAC, tweeted before her flight, "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding. I'm white!" When Justine landed in Africa, she quickly found out she was unemployed. The tweet blew up and spread rapidly on Twitter and the crude joke got her fired.
There are so many examples like this that happen all of the time because people are not careful of what they post. Another social media fiasco that just occurred is the feud between pizza man, Jarrid Tansey, and the F&R Auto Sales used car salesmen in Westport, Mass. After a dispute about a $7 tip, the salesmen argued to the point where Jarrid had to give the money back. After harassing Jarrid and verbally assaulting him, Jarrid leaves with no tip. Someone from the company posted the video online, and their company is now suffering. One of the men in the video is the manager, and the company is suffering from terrible reviews. CNN says, "The owner of F&R Auto Sales had publicly apologized for the actions that led to this embarrassing video."
Outsiders aren't taking this situation lightly or the apology. From Jan. 14 until now, people have been donating in $7 increments to, "Get Jarrid His Tip Money" on Go Fund Me by Amanda Rogers. They have raised $29,091 and they are still going strong. This is a classic way that social media can ruin a reputation through careless actions.
Anything you do, say, or post is not safe, especially on the internet. Snapchat is no exception. You can either use social media in a positive light, and help yourself out in many ways -- including your career -- or you can use it carelessly. Social media should be there to aid you and connect you to others. You must know how to use it wisely and carefully. Think three times before you post!
