Social Networking Could be Costing Writers Work
How a Writing Career Can be Ruined by Unprofessional Behaviour
Sep 7, 2009
Most writers belong to Facebook, LinkedIn, or some other social networking site. They see this as a nice way to keep in touch with friends and business contacts, post messages back and forth, and have a good time. What they may not realize, however, is that their conduct on social networking sites could be having a very negative impact on their writing career.
All too often, when considering a writer for a job, an employer will conduct research online. They will do this in order to learn more about the writer and to gauge if they are suitable for the position. What writers need to do is ask themselves if there is anything out there that they wouldn't want a potential employer to see.
Writers Must Think Before They Post
Writers may adopt the sense that any topic is fair game because the Internet is such an anonymous place, but behavior such as that is exactly what could cost them work. When interacting at social networking sites writers must always conduct themselves in a professional manner. Doing otherwise could harm their reputation and without that no amount of clips are going to get them work.
Anything said online is going to last for years and years to come. Even if the site where the comments are posted goes offline, then they will still be available through the Wayback Machine at Archive.org. That is why it is best for writers to avoid saying anything while networking online that they might come to regret later.
Should Grandma be Reading This?
Before posting anything on a social networking site, writers should read what they have written and ask themselves if they would mind if their grandmother were to see it. If they answer yes, then it is best not to publish the post.
What to Avoid When Networking Online
When some writers engage in social networking they sometimes forget their manners and behave in a way that they would never act if they were speaking in person. This exactly the type of behavior that should be avoided. Writers should always take the high road and avoid petty conflicts. Potential employers will certainly view this behavior more favorably than if they were to discover a tirade posted by the writer.
We all know that money, religion, and politics are hot button topics and most of use avoid speaking about them in face-to-face conversations. Online, however, these topics are no longer quite as taboo. If a writer wants to avoid offending a potential employer, then they should never discuss these topics while social networking. Suppose they were to post a message ranting about a particular politician that a potential employer just so happens to support. Odds are that they wouldn't view this favorably. That is why it is best to avoid the situation entirely by avoiding controversial topics.
Foul language is another thing that should be avoided. A writer may drop in the occasional curse word when talking with their friends in person, but they would never do so during a job interview. Peppering their posts with foul language will only serve to leave a poor impression on any potential employers investigating their online activity.
If Possible, Rewrite History
If a writer recalls saying something on a social networking site that they now think wasn't so wise, then they may be able to take it back. They should visit the site where the content was posted to see if an edit feature is offered. If so, then they can edit the post so that it is now acceptable for an employer to read.
They will likely find, however, that it is impossible to take back whatever it is that they said. In that instance, writers will just have to hope that whatever they posted doesn't become an issue. If the message does come back to haunt them, then they should just be prepared to deal with the consequences and to accept responsibility for their actions. They should also let the situation serve as a lesson for the future and avoid repeating the same mistake in the future.
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