A matter of opinion: Can political posts cost you a job or potential offer?
With the 2020 presidential election behind us— maybe— it’s entirely possible that political social media activity may subside a bit. Or not.
In fact, election results may stir up new bouts of frustration or anger that manifest themselves in pointed tweets or biting Facebook posts. While those social media outbursts may damage friendships or dampen family ties, can they ruin someone’s chances of keeping or getting a job?
Personal politics
While employees can have a political preference or be an active supporter of a political party, most potential employers won’t ask about a candidate about his or her political affiliations during an interview. “Everyone is familiar with Title VII – Equal Employment Opportunities, which states it is unlawful to refuse to hire an individual because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin,” says Susie Clarke, director of undergraduate career services at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. “Asking about one’s political party is not included but almost every employer will add that a question you should never ask is ‘what is your political party?’”
Clarke says that if job candidates are asked about their politics, it’s best to deflect. “I would recommend that they state that their political party choice has no bearing on their ability to perform the job and would hope that they not make that part of their selection criteria,” Clarke says.
Although political posts shouldn’t affect whether a person is hired or not, Clarke says a hidden bias may impact candidate selection by HR personnel and hiring managers. Still, if a candidate feels strongly about their views and decides to share them online, they need to be aware that this may impact their selection because of an employer’s hidden bias.
Being judged
While a candidate’s political affiliations may not come into direct play when an employer chooses to fill a position, there’s no doubt that recruiters research their potential hires online, according to David M. Long, Ph.D., an associate professor of organizational behavior at the Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. “Resumes, cover letters and applications are all very polished and very managed so you can get a much better indication of a person’s true behavior on social media,” he says.
Long says job seekers don’t always have to shy away from personal opinions on social media but they should make sure that their public posts reflect their advocacy on certain issues. “Companies value individuals who have an opinion. I think they might support someone who shows knowledge and grit, even if they don’t agree with the position.”
When posting on social media, Long says it’s important to be aware of two factors:
1. Self-awareness: You want an employer to realize you’re aware of what you’re saying. If you’re going to have a political post, keep the approach positive. If you go negative, they can judge you on your negativity.
2. Other-awareness: Candidates need to be aware of how their posts are making others around them feel. Even if they’re willing to be advocates for a certain cause, they should remember that bigger picture.
“It comes down to candidates being fully aware of what they’re saying,” Long says. “If you’re angry, don’t fire off a tweet and shut your laptop and walk away. Give your posts some serious thought. If handled correctly, your posts can demonstrate a willingness to work inside and outside the system to make the world a better place.”