Photo: the grio.com

Ok, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and a few other social media sites. And although I’m not posting any drunken, or inappropriate selfies (I never understood the drunken selfie concept, shouldn’t you be unable to function let alone take a selfie, but I digress…), I realize, as annoying as it may be, my simple online presence may wreak havoc with my career. Yes, while social media sites like Linked In for instance can boost your chances at landing the career of your dreams, others can spell the end of your professional reputation.

Take for instance, befriending a co-worker on your Facebook page. Or having an old high school girlfriend unearth questionable pictures or stories about you? There are indeed many ways your seemingly innocent social media banter can cost you at work:

1. There’s a thin line between…personal and professional! And these can be blurred pretty fast, and at times irretrievably…Avoid mixing personal and professional on your social networks, and if you do, keep some clear boundaries between your contacts! Sites like Hibe.com can help you do just that…

2. Keep your network in check! Oftentimes, it’s less about the stuff you post than the stuff others post about you, on your page. If your audience is less politically correct than Jimmy Kimmell, you may want to put them in check….or restrict your privacy settings, pronto!

3. Timing is EVERYTHING! Remember your posts are time-stamped, so if you’re posting links to hilarious videos during work hours, beware! This could get you fired or dropped from the running to the job of your dreams, so post carefully!

4. First impressions matter! If your profile picture features your side boob as main character, or last year’s wardrobe malfunction somehow found its way on your Instagram page, you’re not exactly making the best first impression! Prospective employers do scour your social media profiles, and so do current employers! So just as you wouldn’t want your annoying sister-in-law to find a less than flattering pic of you anywhere, polish your appearance, both in person and on social media!

5. What happens on the Internet stays on the Internet! Those pics from Spring break in Cancun with you adoringly cradling a bottle of Moet? They were, and still are online somewhere. So don’t let your new educated, “bourgie” reputation fool you! What happens in Internet Land stays in Internet Land, except there are no secrets on Internet Land, and that banking firm may not exactly pick your stellar resume over your questionable love pics with champagne bottles! Dust the skeletons in your closet, and get to deleting…

What are other ways to prevent social media from killing your career?

The Corporate Sis.