NAVIGATING PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE IN THE ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Like other things, social media has its pros and cons. Personally, it’s always a pleasure reconnecting with friends and classmates I haven’t seen in ages. I also enjoy watching hilarious videos online, which, for the most part, are true representations of certain aspects of life and society in general. That said, there are also not-so-good things on social media that need to be approached with prudence. Also, the line between private and professional life has become blurry with social media nowadays. As a job seeker or someone working on taking the next step in your career, you must be extremely careful of what you share in the public arena. Not to strip you of your freedom but to invite you to be more professional.

While these platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and career growth, they also present unique challenges in maintaining professional etiquette. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the nuances of social media with professionalism and grace.

1. Create a Professional Profile: This is especially important on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Use a consistent name, profile picture, and bio across all professional platforms. This helps build a recognizable personal brand. For more casual platforms, you may not need to be as rigid, but keeping some professionalism is great, like having your first and last name and an appropriate profile picture.

2. Always consider your audience and what you share. Remember that whatever you share will be available many years later and is often visible to a wider audience than intended. Think twice before sharing content that could be misunderstood or deemed inappropriate. I always like to ask myself; would my children and grandchildren be comfortable with any of my posts if they came across them now or years later? That’s a question we should ask ourselves before hitting the button post. Share content that is appropriate for your audience. On LinkedIn and other professional platforms, highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements. Share articles, insights, and updates relevant to your industry. For personal platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can be more casual.

3. Mind Your Tone and Language: Always stay professional and respectful. Avoid using slang, acronyms, or overly casual language in professional settings. Clear and respectful communication is key. If you must disagree, always do that in a constructive and considerate manner.

4. Engage Thoughtfully: Ensure you add value when commenting or sharing others’ content. You can do this by providing thoughtful insights. Avoid controversial or polarizing comments. When it comes to networking, engage with industry leaders and peers by liking, commenting, and sharing their content. This helps build relationships and expand your professional network.

5. Handle Negative Interactions Professionally: Always stay calm. If you encounter negative comments or criticism, respond calmly and professionally. Avoid engaging in heated arguments. Address valid criticisms constructively and take the conversation offline if necessary to resolve any issues.

6. Balance Personal and Professional Content: It’s okay to share some personal content, but ensure it aligns with the image you want to project professionally and which you can live with forever.

7. Take advantage of the Privacy and Security settings: Regularly review and update your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive personal information online and be cautious of the information you post, as it could be used maliciously.

Conclusion

Having shared these great resources, I would say professional etiquette on social media is about striking the right balance between authenticity and maintaining a polished professional image. That’s why, in addition to the recommendations above, I encourage you to always use your judgment.