Can I post strong opinions on social media?

This is a question I get asked all the time. This especially comes up when one is looking for work. Recently, I was talking to a friend who reminded me that this is the very reason some people have anonymous accounts. That led to a heated discussion about hiring Twitter harasses for jobs, but we’ll talk about that another day.

Today’s question is: If you have an online presence that’s linked to your professional identity, can you post strong opinions on your social profiles?

My answer is: Yes, as long as you’ll stand by it, despite consequences.

When you’re looking for work, you need to remember that every recruiter will Google you, if not in the beginning, definitely before making an offer. They are most likely to go through your LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram etc.

What you post on your social platforms can — and will be — used against you in the hiring process.

Typically what they look for is professional risks: Would you harass colleagues? Would you make casteist/sexist remarks? Would you complain against clients? Would you praise competition? That kinda thing. It might not be about your politics or bad jokes. But you can never tell.

And many large organisations have policies that either prevent you from speaking out on social media or post a disclaimer saying “my opinion is not my employer’s”. So, even if they hire you despite your social media profile, they might begin monitoring it once you join them.

Either way, it’s good practice to:

• Not post anything you don’t mean.

• Not harass anyone online, whether or not you think they deserve it.

• Not spread fake news, false claims etc. deliberately.

• Not pick vicious fights with strangers (I don’t mean debates and disagreements, obviously).

• Not say anything on Clubhouses, Twitter Spaces etc. that you won’t take accountability for in

The bottom line is: Your social media will certainly bias the recruiter. So, in the least, make sure your social media is a true reflection of you.