So you’re sitting down after a long day at work, clicking through your social media apps. As you're reading the updates on LinkedIn, the realization hits you like a brick in the face. Your employer has just posted an opening for your job, and they are interviewing possible candidates! "OMG! WTF? NLE?"
What to do? Panic? Quit? Fight?
Here’s some advice for employees and employers using Social Media:
When your job is listed as “Available,” – What should you do?
You have real-life expenses to cover (beyond that pending iPhone 5 upgrade) and perhaps a family to feed. In its own right, the thought of losing your job is devastating. But here’s the worst part: finding this out in a social media circle! Your employment status could be in danger. Do you scream or cry? Do neither; your reaction to this situation is the most important thing right now. These are the steps you should take as an employee who just found his/her job posted on a social media website:
Step 1: Consider the Possibilities
Consider all the possibilities. Could it be possible that you are getting a promotion instead of losing your job? Is it possible that your employer needs another person in your position because of a larger work load?
Step 2: Freshin' up your Resume
Update and post your resume to social media and employment websites.
Step 3: Deliver Results
Keep doing your job to the best of your abilities. Do not just halt your duties! Even if the company is "letting you go," your conscience will be clean.
Step 4: Fight (not physically!)
Talk with your employer and tell them you saw the job posted on LinkedIn. See what they say back and fight for your job. I don't mean physically fight, but give them the reasons that they should keep you. By putting the "ball in their court," you will know how bad the situation really is and if you need to actively seek other employment.
Keep in mind that whatever you do can be used against you [or] in your defense. By acting professionally, you are showing that you do have what it takes to be the best employee.
Employers using Social Media
Social media for employment is a wonderful, useful, and often necessary tool…..if used properly. However it can also create undesirable ‘side effects’ if your strategy is not thought out. It goes without saying that if an open position with your company is public info, then posting “I’m Hiring” is perfectly fine.
It’s when you’re going to terminate an employee but don't want to tell them until you have a replacement (usually a smart move), that you should take precautions when using social media as your recruitment channel.
Here’s a simple fix: Try posting the job opening using general terms “Bookkeeper Position Available | Greater Philadelphia Area | Retail Industry”. If you can’t accomplish this yourself (or through your HR team)...
Another tip: Employment agencies, staffing, and recruiting firms are great at this! You should consider their leverage creating social media awareness while protecting the privacy of your company (and employee’s position).
When you treat employment opportunities and social media fairly and logically, you will be rewarded. It’s when you're hasty with online tactics and social sharing that you should beware of the employee who suddenly discovers their job is up for grabs!
Contact Us for more information, including FCRA and EEOC compliance support for qualifying new hires.
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How to Hire Your First Employee
