---
title: "How Not to Use Social Media"
url: https://hiremaureen.com/2010/12/20/how-not-to-use-social-media/
description: "Maureen McHale is a web marketing consultant specializing in website development, article marketing, public relations, social media and search engine optimization."
published: 2010-12-20
updated: 2010-12-20
---

# How Not to Use Social Media

Published 2010-12-20

If you want to use your social networking profile to get hired or — or at least not get fired — here are three basic rules to keep in mind:

**1. Don’t announce interviews, raises or new jobs**
 Don’t talk about any of these sensitive topics on your social networking site is key. If you’re unemployed, writing “Interview today — wish me luck!” would be OK, or if you got a job, something along the lines of “So excited about my new job!” is totally acceptable. If you’re currently employed, however, I don’t think your boss would be too happy to see something like, “Trying to con my boss into giving me a $5K raise. SUCKA!”

**2. Don’t badmouth your current or previous employer**
 Just like in an interview, keep your rants about your boss or company to yourself. If hiring managers see that you’re willing to trash a colleague online they assume you’ll do it to them, too. Plus, there’s always the possibility of getting fired if someone sees your negative comments.

**3. Don’t mention your job search if you’re still employed**
 If your boss knows you’re on the lookout for a new job, feel free to advertise it in your status. If you’re keeping your search below the radar, however, don’t publish anything, anywhere. Even if you aren’t connected to your boss online, somebody can get the information back to him or her.

Keep exploring.

Read more practical notes on content, websites, search, social media and public relations.

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