The 2016 presidential election is certainly a crazy one. Whether you hate both candidates or love one of them, everyone is discussing about politics online.
However, if you’re currently looking for a job, is it really a good idea to publish your political opinions online?
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Next time you’re about to comment on an article or post a rant about a candidate’s campaign, check your words against these tips to make sure your social presence won’t get in the way of you landing your next job.
Keep It Classy
We’re not pointing any fingers, but even US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan is suggesting that a certain presidential candidate clean up his social media behavior.
It’s very easy to lash out when you get in a comment war with an internet troll, but before you respond with a choice four-letter words ask yourself: Would a hiring manager want to see this? Take the high road, there are more job opportunities up there.
Stick to the Facts
It’s almost impossible to find an article covering the presidential campaign that is 100% unbiased. However, if you’re going to put your name out there publicly, try and stick to the facts.
Want to post on Facebook about a recent debate? Use actual quotes to reference what a candidate said. Writing a blog post about your candidate of choice? Write about their policies.
It’s a free country and you’re allowed to say whatever you want, but that doesn’t mean you have to pen an offensive or aggressive blog post to feel like your voice is heard.
Be Informed
Knowledge is power, as the expression goes. Don’t go on a Twitter rant unless you actually know what you’re talking about.
You wouldn’t go into an interview without researching a company, would you? (The answer is “no.”) Don’t post about the campaign unless you’ve done your research. This means using reliable sources, reading multiple articles, and truly having an understanding on the topic before publishing your opinion online.
Know Your Platforms
We’ll make this one short: Don’t post about politics on LinkedIn. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. are all personal platforms designed for you to share your life with the community.
LinkedIn is strictly a professional network. If you wouldn’t say it in a job interview or in a cover letter, don’t post it on LinkedIn.
Sometimes Just…Don’t
We get it: You want your voice to be heard. Reading comments and articles that go against your political views can be frustrating, even infuriating. but that doesn’t mean you always have to respond.
Sometimes the best way to discuss politics is to do it all offline. Wait until you’re with friends or family that understand who you are and where you’re coming from in case the conversation gets a little too heated.
Hiring managers know nothing about you besides the information they’re given. Next time you want to voice your opinion online ask yourself: Is it really worth it to risk your job just to prove a point on Facebook?
