Avoiding A Huge Social Networking Mistake

Job search experts will tell you to be careful about what you post on your social networking profiles because once it’s out there … it’s out there.  So boasting about a drunken weekend, unprofessional behavior, complaining about how much you hate your boss, etc. are typically all off limits if you expect to be taken seriously during your job search—and at the very least, it will reduce the chances that a hiring manager will find any negative information or digital dirt about you online.

Part of me can’t believe I’m actually having to give the advice I’m about to … but after reading an e-mail I received today I guess I need to.  Some job seekers who are networking on sites like LinkedIn may send out weekly or monthly updates to their network via Inmail updating their network on their job search efforts, wins, losses, interviews, etc.  I understand the premise behind keeping in touch with your network so you stay in the forefront of their minds and can hopefully open some doors.  That being said, sharing incredibly PERSONAL information with people you are connected to on LinkedIn is NEVER an effective strategy and WILL do more harm than good.

In fact, it had me looking for an “unfollow” button on LinkedIn like what you find on Twitter.  After the message I received today that was sharing way too many personal details about a person that I only “know” through social networking, I really was trying to figure out how to not be connected to this person anymore.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about creating connections; but when your messages to me start sharing personal details about potty training your children, sick days with which kid who had what illness … that’s when I think we’ve crossed some invisible “TMI” lines here.

So this is my public service announcement to job seekers everywhere … please do us all a favor and keep your networking communications purely professional.  If you feel compelled to share about your job search please do, but save the personal details for your Momma!