How using social media can get you fired

Next time you tweet something ridiculous on Twitter, or post that drunken photo, just remember that future employers are watching and it could cost you a job.

Research says one in five employers says they have rejected a candidate after running through the social media hangouts.

In today’s world, social networking sites have taken the internet by storm and there are many of them including Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter SnapChat and so the list goes on.

Social media has become such an integral part of our lives that it’s easy to become careless with it, and when this happens it can have far reaching consequences and has at times even cost people their jobs.

It’s not over once you get the job

There’s a debate about whether employers should monitor employee activity on social media. Though some employees might feel it’s an invasion of their privacy, other employers might counter that all the information is in the public domain.

The Ghanaian job environment has seen certain big names fall prey to social media making them lose their jobs.

Name like Nana Aba Anamoah of GhOne TV suffered at the hands of her former employer for a supposedly wrong tweet.

Are you sharing too much personal Information?Not only can the wrong use of social media limit your career limiting it is also dangerous. Do not share personal information with just anybody, and always ensure you verify the profiles of the people who you are communicating with on social media. Some people have been victims of hacking and other bad activities, and the information that is accessed could cost you your career.

Are you guilty of discussing work related issues?Many people have made the mistake of offloading their irritation and problems at work on social media. This can have disastrous consequences, and could even result in your losing your job. Speaking negatively about your boss or the company you work for on social media in all likelihood is not going to end well, so if you have had a bad day thinks very carefully before going on a rant online.

Are you posting inappropriate information?People at times do not seem to know when they are putting up information, photographs or messages that are not suitable for all and sundry to see. Whilst often this information is of a personal nature, one must remember that you also represent the company you work for, and your behaviour can have an impact on the company as well