Mastering Your Social Media

Social media is a valuable tool in your career. Basic etiquette and common sense fosters a positive on-line identity.

Ask yourself the following questions before posting to an on-line platform:

• Should I target a specific audience with this message?

• Will anyone really care about this content besides me?

• Will I offend anyone with this content? If so, who? Does it matter?

• Is this appropriate for a social portal, or would it best be communicated another way?

• How many times have I already posted something today? (More than three can be excessive.)

• Did I spell check?

• Will I be okay with absolutely anyone seeing this?

• Is this post too vague? Will everyone understand what I’m saying?

• Am I using this as an emotional dumping ground? If so, why? Is a different outlet better for these purposes?

• Am I using too many abbreviations in this post and starting to sound like a teenager?

• Is this reactive communication or is it well thought-out?

• Is this really something I want to share, or is it just me venting?

• Consider these questions before clicking “post.” You’ll be happy you double-checked before making a slip-up public to the world.