Job Seekers: Avoid These 4 Online Mistakes That Hurt Your Career!

• Madeline Mann, a dynamic career coach, shares crucial advice for job seekers about their online presence.
• She emphasizes that recruiters will scrutinize candidates’ LinkedIn profiles and other social media channels.
• Mann warns that openly discussing your job search on LinkedIn could backfire.

This insights-packed piece is derived from an enlightening discussion with Madeline Mann, a 32-year-old career guru and the proud founder of Self Made Millennial in Los Angeles. It has been refined for brevity and clarity.

For six transformative years, I’ve been committed to empowering individuals as a career coach. As the visionary behind Self Made Millennial, my mission is to help people feel confident in showcasing their unique talents and ultimately landing their dream job.

Let’s talk about the job hunt. I make it crystal clear to my clients: recruiters are watching, and not just their LinkedIn profiles. They often dig deeper, exploring all social media avenues.

So, as you embark on your job search journey, here are the four things you should definitely keep off the internet.

1. Skip Sharing Your Job Search Journey

While documenting your job search journey may seem like a way to connect, I strongly advise against it. There’s a growing trend of people sharing their experiences on LinkedIn—like, “I just navigated this company’s interview process, but didn’t get the role,” or “Check out this bizarre job application!”

Sure, it might score you some likes, but remember: employers are tuning in too. You don’t want them thinking, “If we bring this person in for an interview, what’s going to end up on the internet?”

Even though job searching can feel lonely and sharing can be cathartic, tread carefully.

2. Keep Mental Health Matters Private

Similarly, it’s best to avoid broadcasting your mental health journey on social media. While it’s fantastic that mental health discussions are becoming more mainstream, potential employers could make hasty judgments based on what they see.

They might wonder, “How will this affect their performance at work?” or “Are they fit for the role?” Even if your posts are positive and reflective, sharing too much can be risky. It’s often better to keep these discussions among close friends where you can control the narrative.

3. Avoid Posting Your Resume Online

LinkedIn allows you to share your resume, but I advise against it. By posting the same resume everywhere, you miss the chance to tailor it to specific job applications—especially if you have diverse interests across different roles. That generic resume could send the wrong message.

Instead, only share your resume directly with the companies you’re applying to. Keep it exclusive!

4. Think Twice Before Sharing Political Campaign Experiences

If you’ve worked on a political campaign, pause before adding it to your LinkedIn profile. Yes, it’s valuable experience, but consider the roles you’re targeting and the cities you wish to work in.

Politics can be polarizing, and hiring managers may jump to conclusions based on who they think you support. You want them to focus on your qualifications, not their biases.

Protecting Your Online Presence

When you’re on the job hunt, take a moment to Google yourself and see what pops up. Recruiters often start their search there. They might come across your LinkedIn, but also your X and Instagram accounts.

To safeguard your privacy, consider making your social media profiles private or adjusting your name to include only your first and middle names. You could even slightly alter the spelling of your last name—think of clever variations that keep your identity intact yet less searchable.

Remember, even with privacy settings, savvy recruiters can still catch glimpses of your online activity. Before hitting “post,” ask yourself: “Is this how I want to be represented? Would this be better shared in a private text to friends?”

Are you a career coach eager to share your invaluable job seeking insights? Reach out!