Keep your career in mind when creating political posts

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. Be sure to share information that shows you’re aware of what you’re putting out into the universe.

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’s hard to be dismissive of someone who is honestly concerned about improving the lives of others.

“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.”