BENIGN TO FIVE
A recent study of US recruiters found 91 per cent used social-networking sites to screen prospective candidates, while 69 per cent said they had rejected a candidate based on what he or she had tweeted or posted.
Here are some casual tweets that can transform you from an unemployable vulgarian into an unimpeachable human resource.
Can any tweeps recommend a trophy maker? Colleagues are giving me an award for proactiveness. I told them I'll buy the statuette. #leasticando
Can't sleepppppp. So doing some preparation for tomorrow's meet and greet with the new clients.
Working a 14-hour day!!! Yeeeewwww!!! Love it!!!!
Just found a way to reduce toilet breaks by 30 per cent!! Now need to find a way of reducing resultant increase in psssssing noise.
Sooooo boreddddd. LOL. Kidding. I never get bored coz when I finish one task, I simply move on to another, or help someone else finish theirs.
Boss is a real ball breaker ... which is totes justified — his job on the line if those below him don't reach KPIs. I love intense pressure!
Don't you love it when you get called in to work on a wknd? That's not rhetorical — I'm genuinely interested. I'd answer yes. AMAZEBALLS!
Prospective employers will love them and your followers won't notice your subtle strategic change in tweeting practice.
PS: Why do people on Twitter repeat the consonants in words to represent elongated vowels?
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Very common. A recent study of US recruiters found 91% used social‑networking sites to screen prospective candidates, so employers routinely check applicants' social media profiles during hiring.
According to the study cited, 69% of recruiters said they had rejected a candidate based on what he or she had tweeted or posted, so problematic posts can directly cost you job opportunities.
Posts that come across as unprofessional or overly crude tend to raise red flags — for example, frequent vulgar language, public complaints about bosses or colleagues, seeming bored or disengaged at work, or oversharing odd personal details (the article gives humorous examples like toilet‑break boasts). Recruiters look for professionalism and good judgment.
Yes — the article suggests making a subtle, strategic change in your tweeting practice so prospective employers notice your professionalism while your regular followers are unlikely to be put off. Focus on positive, work‑oriented updates rather than a sudden, extreme shift in voice.
Short, concrete posts that highlight preparation and helpfulness can work well — for example, mentioning that you’re preparing for a client meeting, volunteering to help colleagues, or expressing enthusiasm for getting work done. The article’s examples include tweets about preparing for a meet‑and‑greet, helping others finish tasks, and enjoying hard work.
Not always, but they can be risky. Light humor that's clearly professional can be fine, but overly casual or questionable jokes (especially about management, job conditions or bodily functions, as in the article’s tongue‑in‑cheek examples) can be misread by recruiters screening your profile.
Style and tone can influence perceptions. While repeating letters or slang can convey personality, these choices make your posts feel informal. Since recruiters are screening social feeds, consider whether that casual tone matches the professional image you want to project.
Think before you post: prioritize clear, professional updates that highlight your skills, preparation and teamwork; avoid crude or disrespectful comments; and be mindful that recruiters frequently review social profiles and may reject candidates based on what they find.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
