Why is summer a good time to focus on digital cleaning?

Since age 5, we have been trained by school calendars to think of summer as a flexible, in-between time when we can regroup before beginning a new phase. This mentality, combined with the extra downtime that tends to come with the warmer months, makes summer the ideal season to reevaluate the content on your social media accounts. Try to think of fresh ways to communicate your business’s brand, or simply clean out any questionable posts.

Tip 1: Assume that everything is public.

As the old adage goes: where there’s a will, there’s a way. In the social media realm, this means that even with all the privacy settings possible, there is still a chance that a potential employer could find posts that contain illicit activities or push controversial agendas. For this reason, Ward suggests not posting anything online that you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying in an interview. For employers, even personal accounts should be regarded as a reflection of your company’s brand, so be mindful of only posting appropriate content.

Tip 2: Social media may not be the most appropriate place to voice concerns about your company.

Social media is often used as an outlet for self-expression, both positive and negative. However, Ward cautions against using your online presence as an outlet for voicing frustrations with your company. Since everything is public, co-workers may bring these posts to the attention of management, creating conflict and tension that could be avoided. Speaking with human resources directly may be a better route to having your concerns addressed.

Tip 3: Create a culture that people will want to join. 

Rather than simply focusing on ways to interact with customers, businesses should use online profiles as a means of attracting potential employees. By communicating a brand that seems desirable to work for, businesses will appeal to a larger pool of qualified applicants eager to work for their organizations. Ask yourself: What kind of employer are you and why should people want to work for you?