1. Complaining about your job, coworkers or boss. While this may seem like a no-brainer, sharing any negative feedback about your current job, employer, or coworkers is the number-one no-no. Don't doubt that future (and current) employers will raise a red flag at the slightest jab or complaint via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. Even a simple "dreading going to the office" or "bored at work" comment is a bad way to brand yourself in any industry.
2. Sharing too much information. Know where to draw the line between your digital and personal life. Relationship issues, personal problems, and TMI tidbits are best kept in private conversation rather than being attached to your personal brand online.
3. Posting all your partying pictures #AboutLastNight. There's nothing wrong with posting a tasteful, fun photo from a night out with friends, but when your Instagram feed or Facebook timeline starts to look like the outtake reel of The Hangover, then it's a problem. Prospective and current employers will find a stream of drinking and partying photos to be a turn-off. Even if you think it's "all in good fun," you don't want to be seen as the party animal job candidate.
4. Inserting yourself in controversial conversations. While it's OK to share your opinion, steer clear of topics or news that could be too controversial — i.e. religion, race, politics. If your opinion could be offensive, it's best not to broadcast it all over the Internet. Controversial remarks are a huge turn-off to potential employers and could cost you landing that dream interview.
5. Going on a venting tirade. It may be tempting to go on a complaining spree via Twitter or Facebook, but you don't want the negatives to outweigh the positives of your online personality. Keep your emotions in check — take a deep breath and think before you send out any bad vibes that may reflect badly on you in the future.
6. Aggressively networking for a job or interview. LinkedIn and Twitter are great tools to network with other professionals in your industry, but there's a big difference between "networking" and "harassing." Repeatedly sending messages or interview requests to potential employers through social media isn't going to land you a job; it's just going to come off as unprofessional. Use social media to seek out advice or start a conversation, not to beg for a job.
7. Referencing illegal activities. Another no-brainer, photo or not ("joking" about it via Twitter or Facebook counts too) — anything that you wouldn't do or say in front of a police officer shouldn't go on social media. Consider it the quickest way to sabotage your own career and personal brand.
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