Avoiding Mistakes
Learn from your mistakes is an old adage that we use. When it comes to your online presence, though, your mistake can be very costly. Every semester there are news stories about students losing out on opportunities – and alumni losing jobs – because of their online presence. So, let’s shift our focus and learn first other’s mistakes.
Don’t post in the heat of the moment – any moment!
Avoid foul or bad language
If you wouldn’t do it in front of someone, why post it online for the world to see?
Learn from your mistakes is an old adage that we use. When it comes to your online presence, though, your mistake can be very costly. Every semester there are news stories about students losing out on opportunities – and alumni losing jobs – because of their online presence. So, let’s shift our focus and learn first other’s mistakes.
Don’t post in the heat of the moment – any moment!
There is no delete button for the morning after you’ve called someone a regrettable name, been foolish with your post of a picture in a compromising position or perhaps illegal activity, or went on a rant about something that was particularly irritating.
Avoid foul or bad language
Things can be taken out of context (and often are!), and while you may not be offended – a prospective boss may not be so understanding.
If you wouldn’t do it in front of someone, why post it online for the world to see?
We know first impressions count, and this is true for your online presence as well. What you post (and what you’re tagged in) is your introduction – so what are you saying? Many times when someone is confronted with their online presence and asked, Why did you _____? – the reply often includes, I don’t know. Guess I just didn’t think.
