Professional Online Communications

Employers should see a professional online presence from you.

This includes emails, social media messages and comments, text messages, and blogs.

Texting

• Ask yourself, is this text appropriate?     
• Consider the time and manner of your message. Texts can be seen as convenient or intrusive from the employer’s perspective.
• Send text messages that are proofread and appropriate.
• Reflect on your message. Does it convey what you want to communicate? 
• View examples of how to construct a professional text versus an unprofessional message.

Emails

• Viewed as less intrusive in nature and can be sent within a larger window of time.
• Proofread all professional communications with appropriate content and grammar.
• View examples of professional and unprofessional emails.

Social Media Posts, Messages, and Videos

• Should display professionalism and maturity.
• Can be sent within a longer time frame.
• Always ask yourself before you post, “Am I comfortable with my boss viewing this content?”

Have you done the following?

• Written your message at an appropriate time of day (not at 2:00 a.m.)? 
• Proofread and corrected all grammar.
• Used appropriate language.
• Reviewed your emotional status while you were writing: Were you upset? Nervous? Anxious? Is this reflected in your writing to a potential professional contact?