Online Etiquette Tips that Will Help You Get the Job
LinkedIn (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No matter what type of business you’re looking to get into, these days it’s important to have a positive online presence. You never know who’s going to view one of your online profiles, and depending on what they see it could lead to incredible opportunities or it could cost you.
Whether or not you’re currently in the middle of a job search, here are some things that everyone should keep in mind when they’re posting things online.
Keep your work and personal life separate: You’ve seen it come up on your feed before: Facebook statuses and tweets where people are complaining about their job, a coworker, or even their boss. It’s easy to forget that what you post online isn’t ephemeral and that what you say can have consequences. If you’re up for a position in a company, there’s a good chance that someone will do a quick Google search on you. This is just one of the many things employers hate to see online, and even though it’s just a single Facebook status that you posted on a bad day, it could still cost you a job.
Put yourself out there: An online portfolio is a handy tool for connection with others in the professional world. Make sure to keep it updated, check for grammatical errors, and just be open and honest. Share what you’re passionate about and eventually the right people will notice.
Have a work appropriate photo: Selfies are fine for Facebook or Instagram, but if you’re trying to present yourself as a professional on a personal website or somewhere like Linkedin, you want to have a professional headshot that’s current, where you’re dressed appropriately, and presents you in the best possible way.
Take emails seriously: A lot of times people get too conversational in emails even in professional contexts. When you’re composing an email to an employer or coworker, you should take it seriously, as if you were writing a letter. Start with an appropriate greeting, say thank you (or something to that effect) at the end, and check for spelling mistakes. For an employer, emails are often one of the the first indications on whether someone is prompt and punctual.
If you use it right, the internet can be a great tool for finding new business opportunities or starting your own entrepreneurship. Because so many professionals use the internet to get to know potential employees or partners, it’s important to show that you’re someone they’d actually like to work with. Plus, with so many industries are embracing digital customer service nowadays, it’s necessary to show that you won’t only be a good person to have in the office but that you’ll represent the company well in your daily life and in the digital world.
