These social media habits could be standing between you and your dream job

If you’ve been applying for those dream roles, but never seem to make the cut, it could be time to look at your online behaviour.

While it’s important to be on trend and know your social media channels inside out, your private posts definitely shouldn’t be weighing in on your promotion prospects. Between status updates, and incriminating photos, here are the five social media practices that could cost you your dream job... That Rant About Your Current Job You may be frustrated and feeling undervalued by your employer, but taking to the internet to rant about your current position or the people you work with just leaves you looking unprofessional. Insulting or offending colleagues is never the answer – and if anything it points to a distinct lack of skills in team building and management. Your Profile Should Reflect Your CV There is no doubt anymore, employers use social media to verify your CV. So, if you didn't go to college, but were on a working visa in Oz for the months you were meant to be studying, it won’t take long to find out. While you might be tempted to exaggerate that CV be aware that with social media, it won’t take long to read between the lines. Watch Your Endorsements You might think you’re just retweeting, sharing or favouriting a funny, interesting or conversational view, but realistically, you are inadvertently sharing your opinion on a particular subject. While it’s important to have an opinion and stand out for your own beliefs, be sure to do so in a respectful and clear manner. While it’s perfectly acceptable to have an opinion, make sure you know how to make it in an educated and professional way. “If You Want To Know Someone, Look At Their Friends” Don’t be fooled – employers will look to see who your friends are if you are tagged in holiday snaps or seen to interact continuously on Twitter with another user. If your conversations are hilarious, but maybe not promotion material, stick to direct messages and private emails. As for online tags, make sure to restrict who can add you and what is ‘public’ on your profile. Time Isn’t Always On Your Side If you have time to comment on your friends' pictures and events, update your status and put up your holiday photos between 9am and 5pm, it doesn’t look great on your dedication to your office tasks. It could also show a lack of work motivation. Scrolling through your Facebook, they might be concerned you’ll be as active on their time, too. So remember, be careful and cautious on social media and you should be good to go.