The Future of Social Media and Getting Hired

Since the invention of social media profiles reputation has been a concern. While in college, all I heard from the previous generation of teachers, parents and administrators was, "be careful what you post or it will keep you from a job" and in some fields, "avoid it at all costs." For the February 2011 issue of Metro Magazine I even wrote about how your social media profile could incriminate you in court. We are taught discretion is the key to our success.

This is not true.

Discretion is just one step, and if it is the the key to anything it is the key to mediocrity.

To make an impact in a world as interconnected as ours, you need to stand up to speak. Generation Y has listened enough to the warnings of Generation X. They advise us as best they can but they are not fluent in instantaneous or permanent communication. Only a unique voice with something interesting to say can guarantee you success.

It is true, everyone should think about what they post before they post it. But this fear-mongering over every photo and comment posted is an oversimplification that omits the obvious fact that in the future there is going to be ass-loads of information on everyone. Employers are going to need a backhoe, not a  hand rake, to dig through potential employee's personal history.

An affluent person on social media probably has a profile on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, LinkedIn, Amazon, Spotify, CouchSurfer and if they're single perhaps a couple dating sites. The Internet is interwoven into our day-to-days lives and to show what that life is, is to make us human.

And that is who employers want to hire--a real human being--at least the ones worth working for. Only a micromanaging naysayer cares what you do on weekends (within reason). Be upstanding and be yourself. That should be your greatest selling point, not the fear of your employer figuring out who you are. Social media is the place where you can prove yourself, not discredit yourself, so blog, tweet and post away! And ditch the naysayers for whatever progressive employer has the brains to hire you.

(Please note: Politics being the obvious exception--they were doomed from the start.)