YCP Mentor Notes | How NOT to Use Social Media During Job Search
Brittany Pietsch, 27, who used to work as a sales account executive, video recorded herself for nine minutes as she was getting laid off from Cloudflare.
She posted the video to TikTok, where it went viral.
Over 20 million views.
I get it. Getting laid off is a gut punch. It’s emotional. And your now-former employer totally screwed up the lay-off conversation. And it’s easy to want to vent about it online.
But here’s the thing: Posting about your layoff on social media is a really bad idea.
Why? Because it can come back to haunt you later when you’re trying to get a new job.
Think about it from the perspective of a hiring manager. They’re looking at your resume and they decide to Google you. And what do they find? A video of you trashing your former employer.
That’s not a good look. It makes you seem unprofessional and immature.
Plus, there’s always the chance that your former employer could see the video and decide to take legal action against you. Especially if you signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of your severance package.
How did it work out for Brittany Pietsch?
She posted her viral video on January 9, 2024.
On February 8, 2024, she posted on LinkedIn: “I am so excited to announce I am joining the EQ.app team to help promote the launch of their new AI tool, EQbuddy!”
Then, on May 7, 2024, she posted this on LinkedIn: “I’m now back on my search and quickly remembering how tough and discouraging it is. Applications to jobs I am applying for are automatically not being considered purely because I have too many ‘short cycles’ in my SaaS positions.”
Doesn’t look like that viral video is working in her favor as a job hunter.
So what should you do instead when you find yourself on the receiving side of a layoff conversation?
First, take a deep breath. It’s okay to be upset. But don’t let your emotions get the best of you.
Second, reach out to your network. Let them know you’re looking for a new opportunity. But do it in a positive way. Don’t badmouth your former employer.
Third, update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight your skills and accomplishments. Show potential employers what you can do for them.
And finally, be patient. Finding a new job takes time. But if you stay positive and keep networking, you’ll find the right opportunity.
I know it’s not easy. But trust me, posting about your layoff on social media is not the answer.
Instead, focus on the future. And remember, you’ve got this.
Have you ever been tempted to post about a layoff on social media? Hit comment and let me know.
I read every comment you post!
-Kip
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Kip Boyle is a husband, dad, entrepreneur, and experienced cyber risk manager. He founded Cyber Risk Opportunities LLC in 2015, after seven years as the CISO of PEMCO Insurance in Seattle. As a captain on active duty in the US Air Force, he served in the Combat Archer and F-22 Stealth Fighter programs where he was the director of enterprise network security. These days, he serves as virtual chief information security officer for many customers, including a professional sports team and fast-growing FinTech and AdTech companies. Over the years, Kip has built teams by interviewing hundreds of cybersecurity professionals. And now, he’s sharing his insider’s perspective with you!
Executive - IT Risk/Information Security| Cybersecurity| Business Resilience| Operational Risk| Enterprise Risk| Third Party Risk| Speaker| Mentor| C-Suite Advisor
6 个月Well said, Kip!
Partner Sales Manager @ Dassault Systèmes | North America 3DEXPERIENCE Specialist
6 个月There are the 4 Ps (Praise in Public; Punish in Private) and the 6 Ps (Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance). Both seem to apply here. I may be not in my 20s anymore, but I still put my foot in my mouth usually on a daily basis and I still try to make anything public either positive or neutral. Especially whatever lives forever in digital land. As for the job hunt, hopefully the subject of this post learns that longevity has tangible, financial value and hopping a couple times may be beneficial, but that when it becomes a pattern, suddenly the offers for your $200-$300k enticing packages just start drying up and then what? The grass is greenest where you water it. And when you stick around an industry or domain for long enough, everyone knows each other. Everyone.
Sr IT Compliance Analyst | Risk Management, Compliance, Process Improvement | CIPP/E | CISM | SACP | MT (ASCP)
6 个月I try to go by the adage, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. :) If i leave an organization or have worked with someone in a consulting capacity etc where I disagree with what they were doing or parted ways due to a specific reason, I would never voice it publicly. However If I did have someone message me privately etc. and ask about working with someone or their org I would try to steer them in another direction! Or I would say you need to be aware of this etc. before you go to work with them or for them.