Posting negative comments most common deal-breaker for HR: Survey

Incomplete, dated profiles also concerns in hiring process

The advice "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" holds especially true in today's digital age, suggests research from staffing firm OfficeTeam.

When asked about the most common social media mistakes that take job seekers out of the running for a position, 62 per cent of more than HR managers surveyed cited writing negative or inappropriate comments as the prevailing digital blunder.

The most common social media mistake professionals make
which reduce their chances of being hired:

Posting negative or inappropriate comments

62%

Not posting regularly; having incomplete, dated or no social media profiles

19%

Posting or being tagged in inappropriate or risqué photos

18%

"Anyone currently working in a professional environment or looking to become employed in the near future should pay close attention to how they represent themselves on social media," said Koula Vasilopoulos, a district president for OfficeTeam.

"In addition to eliminating inappropriate content from their digital accounts, workers should keep their profiles updated and relevant, and make the most of the opportunity to candidly demonstrate their interests and contributions in relation to their chosen field."

OfficeTeam identifies five types of professionals who commit social media faux pas:

•The cranky critic isn't shy about sharing off-putting remarks with the world. No subject is off limits, including former colleagues and politics.
•The superfluous selfie poster has no shortage of social media photos, but they're not exactly always office-appropriate, and there are enough of them to suggest an inflated ego.
•The TMI transgressor posts every detail when attending a party, playing a game or taking an online quiz, whether you care to know or not.
•The connection counter invites just about anyone to join his or her network. When it comes to social media contacts, this person favours quantity over quality.
•The nonchalant networker takes a lackadaisical approach to social media. This individual's online profiles are sparse, and updates are few and far between.

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