Article published in Longmeadow Neighbors
(June 2023)

June is always an exciting time as the spring blossoms have sprung, summer vacation is on the horizon and our recent graduates embark on their professional journeys. However, in today's digital age, it's crucial to be mindful of the impact that social and digital media can have on a personal and professional reputation. As a digital media company, we understand the importance of maximizing social media opportunities while avoiding potential pitfalls. With that in mind, we've compiled four vital tips to help navigate social media for professional success.

Manage Your Privacy Settings Like a Pro

Thankfully, social media platforms offer privacy settings that you can customize to your comfort level. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the privacy features of each platform and adjust settings accordingly. For example, you can limit the visibility of posts, control who can tag or mention you in photos or posts, and manage the information that is publicly available on profiles to people you are not directly connected to. Regular review of privacy settings ensure that you are in control of you (or your kids) online presence. Additionally, it's important to note that standardized laws do not currently exist to protect the individual from keeping an employer from "social media snooping."

Don't Let Your Posts Haunt You 

We understand that while your social media profiles are a direct reflection of who you are, the information that is made available to others could be impactful, for better or for worse, on future opportunities- so we encourage you to consider every time you want to hit the "post" button of whether or not the content checks off a few boxes. Will this embarrass you in twenty years? Could it get you in trouble? Is it controversial? To air on the side of caution, do yourself a favor and keep it as vanilla as possible. It is common practice these days for employers and recruiters to review candidates' social media profiles, so it's essential to avoid posting anything that could be deemed inappropriate, offensive, or unprofessional. This includes steering clear of photos, comments, or posts related to illegal activities, controversial opinions, or discriminatory language. Always think before you post or comment in the heat of the moment to avoid any potential impact on your professional image. Remember, deleting a post doesn't mean it hasn't already been screenshotted for the world to see.

Watch Your Tags and Mentions

While you control what information you put out to the social-sphere, many forget that being tagged or mentioned in posts or photos by others can impact their online reputation as well, even if they didn't post the content themselves. Be mindful of what others tag or mention you or your family members in and regularly monitor tagged posts and mentions to ensure they align with your personal and professional values. If you are tagged in something that you find inappropriate, remove it or un-tag yourself.

Showcasing Your Professional Side

We've reviewed some of the downsides of social, but don't worry, the pros far outweigh the cons! As recent graduates or seeking professionals, you can shine brightly on social media and find opportunities locally and beyond. Creating a separate professional profile or personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed to highlight skills, achievements, and industry interests is a must. Here you can share relevant and insightful content related to your field of study or career aspirations, engage with industry influencers, join professional groups, and participate in discussions to establish an online presence with other knowledgeable and credible professionals. It's all in the art of showing up!

If you're a recent graduate or soon-to-be grad or just looking to keep it professional, it's essential to be mindful of the impact of social media on your professional reputation. By simply thinking before posting, managing privacy settings, tags and mentions, and maintaining a professional online presence, you can enhance your chances of landing internships or jobs and building a successful career. The internet has a long memory, so make sure your social media presence reflects the best version of yourself and sets you up for professional success.

More contributions from Robyn Miller