Is Social Media a Career Killer?

A lot has been said about the negative effects that social media can have on your career . An ill-timed tweet, an inappropriate Facebook photo, that video of you on YouTube dancing like crazy after having a few drinks; all of these can come back to haunt you later.

There are a number of groups on Facebook dedicated to those that have lost their jobs due to the site.

The reasons range from complaining about the boss or the company, lying about being sick to get a day off, There are plenty of people sharing their stories. Certainly enough to make you think twice before mixing employment and social media.

Though all of those negative examples are something to keep in mind, social media can in fact work for you if you know what you’re doing.

Seth Godin (the successful entrepreneur, author and public speaker) wrote in his blog:  ”I think if you’re remarkable, amazing or just plain spectacular, you probably shouldn’t have a resume at all.”

What does he suggest instead? He says: “How about three extraordinary letters of recommendation from people the employer knows or respects?

– Or a sophisticated project they can see or touch?
– Or a reputation that precedes you?
– Or a blog that is so compelling and insightful that they have no choice but to follow up?”

These might sound like difficult goals, but you have the tools to achieve them sitting right in front of you: social media.

Youtube can be used for any number of things, if you are trying to break into a creative field, it’s a wonderful way to showcase your projects.

You could use it for a sort of video resume, or  show off your expertise by filming a tutorial in your chosen field, this will make you seem both knowledgeable and helpful.

Twitter is an incredibly useful tool. think of a big cocktail party filled with important people, a rare chance to rub shoulders with some very influential people. That’s what twitter is like.

Follow people whose careers you’d most like to emulate, ask them to give you their advice on furthering their career, you’d be surprised how many people actually write back.

See if you can get them to follow you, and write interesting and relevant tweets targeted to them.

Once you’re on their radar who knows what could happen?

Facebook is being used more and more by recruiters to find employees, and interact with friends, share funny, insightful and interesting links and statuses.
Just keep your clothes on, don’t air your dirty laundry and stay away from the computer after your second beer.