What Not To Do on Twitter if You Want to Stay Employed
Simply Hired Staff
Ah, technology. Whether it’s staying in touch with family and friends, checking out the latest trending news story or just catching up on ridiculously cute cat meme’s, social media sites have certainly had a big impact on the way that we communicate as a society. In many ways, the ability to stay instantaneously informed can be beneficial on both a social and professional level. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to the world of Twitter and your job stability.
We’ll admit that when it comes to role models for what you should and should not say via Twitter, you may not have the best modern examples. From political leaders and knee-jerk reactions to celebs making cringe-worthy social faux pas, it’s hard to know just where to draw the line with your personal tweet-storms. If this sounds familiar, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled some common sense advice for what NOT to do on twitter if you like your job and want to stay employed!
Talking Politics (or anything controversial for that matter)
We all remember the sage wisdom regarding politics and religion. In short, you just don’t talk about these kinds of hot-button topics if you want to keep conversations congenial. When it comes to the Twitter-sphere, much the same can be said, or not said. If you’re employed with a large company, are in a high-level position or would have concerns about your employer learning your political views it’s best to keep political leanings to less public, in person surrounds.
Posting to the Wrong Account
This one goes out to the social media managers out there. If you are in charge of posting to your employer’s Twitter profile, pay special attention to ensure which “voice” you’re using before hitting the tweet button.
Posting a personal message, especially if it’s off-color, to your company’s profile, can cause brand and client confusion, looks unprofessional and can ultimately cost you your job. Keep personal tweets to personal time and be sure to practice good login and logout hygiene to keep things copasetic.
Complaining About Your Job/Boss/Client
We’ve all had those tough days at the office. Maybe you were called into your boss’ office for a formal dressing down or had to deal with a less-than-amazing client call. While venting to a trusted friend or family member over a glass of wine is one way to release some stress, tweeting about the experience probably isn’t going to get you high marks with your employer.
To avoid word getting back to your company that you’re a negative nancy, or less than a team player, keep your opinions on work to verbal communications only. Don’t take the risk that an equally frustrated co-worker, HR rep or direct report can see and use your tweets against you.
The Mom Rule
We’re all guilty from time to time of saying something we later regret. When it comes to Twitter, however, these mistaken postings can haunt your virtual reputation for years to come. When in doubt, before posting insightful, rude or otherwise less than politically correct, ask yourself one simple question: what would mom do?
The mom test is a great pre-screening tool for just about anything you’d say in public but is especially helpful for protecting your job from the prying eyes of your employer. If you wouldn’t make a statement or claim in front of your mother, chances are your employer won’t appreciate it either. Avoid saying anything distasteful or cringe-worthy in general, even if you think your account security is on lockdown. Remember mother knows best and you’ll never end up on the wrong side of a PC tweetstorm.
Article Updated from the Original on October 30, 2017
