Reputations on the Web

Does your social media content represent you in a positive light?

Not everyone has the same type of relationship with social media, but reputation management is important to many people and even more businesses. There is a lot of conversation about the implications of hiring social media influencers in a time where social media is more seen than websites. As with most things, we can only start with ourselves and make sure our social media presentation matches the reputation we’d like to uphold.

Here are some common ways your social media might be judged by employers:

• If you use your social media to mainly document your nightlife…
  They might see someone likely to be late to work.

• If you tend to post more when you have a drink in your hand…
  They may have concerns about your calling out due to hangovers.

• If you only post about media, politics, or polarizing issues…
  They may view you as divisive or argumentative. (Activist banner)

• If you don't post at all…
  They may think you have something to hide.

• If you only post about food or pets…
  They will think you aren't intellectually savvy or well-rounded. (Bright side, they may love it, too, because they see you as always available.)

• If you only post about religion…
  They may think you are judgmental.

• If you post provocative images of yourself…
  They may see you as a liability. Even overuse of selfies can be seen as cocky or self-absorbed.

• Posting material things that are extravagant (poor form/insensitive during the pandemic)…
  They may not trust your moral compass.

• Excessive travel pics…
  Disconnected from your business.

We list these to play a little devil’s advocate and to help give you a new perspective on how your pages may be seen. It’s important to be authentic through and through, online and in person.