Don't Post That: What Happens in Vegas Will Follow You to the Office

Did you know that when a West-Jet employee gifts you a 'buddy pass' one of the clauses is that you have to look presentable? (i.e. no track pants). This is because when you use the buddy pass, you are representing their company, even if no one knows you are. This maintains a professional image.

Take this into consideration when you post on social networking. While you might think going to Vegas, trespassing on Mike Tyson's property and taking pictures with his Tiger is great fun, you really shouldn't be posting this to social media. 

In 2014, recruiting platform Jobsite released their annual social networking survey and those who think social networking doesn't matter for their career are in trouble.

Survey Stats:

• 93% of participant managers will review a candidate's social networking before hiring them
• 55% have reconsidered a candidate based on their findings; 61% of these candidates were put on the 'don't hire' list after this second look
• 83% won't hire someone who mentions illegal drugs
• 70% won't hire someone who posts 'sexual' content
• 44% thought negatively about alcohol posts 

On the flip side, the study uncovered social networking can also be a tool in building your career.

79% of employers hired candidates from LinkedIn, 26% through Facebook and 11% through Twitter.

When you post to Instagram or Twitter, does your Facebook repost these? Use cross-promotion to spread your brand, rather than hinder your chances of landing a job, or even keeping your job. Some organizations even have clauses that require you to reflect their brand at all times. 

In Short:

1. Use social networking as an opportunity to brand yourself positively. Showcase yourself. Post about your volunteer efforts.
2. Don't post anything you wouldn't want your grandmother to see. Chances are if she doesn't want to see it, neither does your employer.
3. Social networking matters. Everyone will see what you post including your colleagues, boss, and potential employers. And if they don't see it, someone will tell them about it. Gossip spreads quicker than you can delete a post. 

Five Lines from 'The Office' You Hopefully Won't Be Hearing at Work Today

"I am running away from my responsibilities and it feels good". -Michael

"Toby works in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not apart of our family". -Michael

"It's all about my bonus". -Stanley

"I ground up four extra-strength aspirin and put them in Micheal's pudding. I do the same thing with my dog to get him to take his heartworm medicine". -Ryan

"Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it's not like a compulsive need to be liked. Like my need to be praised". -Michael

Think of the workplace as your own personal PR. Would you ever say something like Micheal, Stanley or Ryan in a media release or to a client? I hope not.

In your professional life you consider all your audiences.
Who will hear what I say? Who will be affected by what I say? 
Will saying this positively or negatively affect me?
The same goes for interoffice interaction.

Everyone in your office is a stakeholder in not only the company you work for, but in your career. They represent people who have a stake or some sort of say in your organization's decisions and actions. Be cognizant of what you say and how you make people feel in your interaction with your colleges because it will ultimately positively or negatively affect the successfulness and longevity of your career.