- In today’s age of social media, some workers who have left their jobs are turning to public platforms like TikTok and Twitter to vent their frustrations or celebrate their newfound freedom.
- Before you hit that post button, remember that there is a certain social media etiquette to follow when sharing your job-related thoughts with the world.
- When sharing the news of being laid off from a job on social media, it’s important to maintain professionalism and positivity.
Parting ways with a job can be a gut-wrenching and infuriating experience.
In today’s age of social media, some workers who have left their jobs are turning to public platforms like TikTok and Twitter to vent their frustrations or celebrate their newfound freedom. From “QuitToks” to Reddit threads, it seems that quitting — or unfortunately losing — your job has become a social media trend.
While reaching out to friends or screaming into the social media void may be the first impulse when you have news about a job status change, it’s not always the smartest strategy. Before you hit that post button, remember that there is a certain social media etiquette to follow when sharing your job-related thoughts with the world.
According to Joe Mull, HR expert and author of “Employalty,” even if you’ve had a negative experience with an employer, you should try to keep any online commentary positive.
“If the job wasn’t a good fit, describe what you learned. If your work was underappreciated, describe your contributions and how they’d benefit a future employer. If you clashed with your boss, identify what you might do differently in the future. In any posts, don’t identify the company by name and don’t burn any bridges. Even if you don’t care about maintaining that relationship, being diplomatic is still in your best interests. After all, you may need records or references in the future, or a change in leadership may open up a new role there you’d someday consider.
Besides, if a potential employer sees you bashing your old company publicly, they’ll assume you’d do the same to them if things don’t work out. As a general rule, complain privately, praise publicly,” Mull told Allwork.Space.
When sharing the news of being laid off from a job on social media, it’s important to maintain professionalism and positivity. Here’s a guide on how to approach the situation:
- Choose the right platform: Consider sharing the news on a professional networking site like LinkedIn, rather than more casual platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
- Be honest but tactful: Begin your post by briefly explaining that you have been laid off due to company circumstances, restructuring, or any other valid reason. Avoid going into too much detail or expressing negative emotions about your employer.
- Focus on the positives: Highlight the skills, experiences, and accomplishments you gained during your time at the company. This will show your resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
- Look forward: Mention that you are excited about exploring new opportunities and are open to connecting with others in your industry. This signals to your network that you are actively seeking new employment.
- Be open to help: Invite your connections to share any job leads, advice, or resources they may have. Remember to be specific about your job preferences, desired industry, and location.
- Engage with your network: Respond to comments and messages in a timely manner, and be sure to thank those who offer support or assistance.
Example post:
“Hello everyone, I wanted to share that I’ve recently been laid off from my position as a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company due to restructuring. I am grateful for the invaluable experience and skills I gained during my time there, as well as the amazing colleagues and mentors I had the pleasure of working with.
As I look forward to the next chapter in my career, I am excited to explore new opportunities in the marketing field, specifically within the tech industry. If you know of any openings or have any advice, I would greatly appreciate your help. Please feel free to reach out via direct message or email. Thank you all for your support!”
Remember:
- It’s essential to maintain a professional and positive tone on social media when sharing news that you’ve left your job. This approach will not only help you maintain a good reputation but also increase the likelihood of receiving assistance from your network.
- Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter offer the perfect stage to broadcast your job search to a wider audience, including those friends and acquaintances you may not have thought to reach out to via email.
- When looking for your next job, don’t be shy or hesitant to share your situation with your extended network; there’s no shame in losing a job or leaving one, and it doesn’t define you as an employee.
