Every year I speak to high school and college students about how social media can affect landing (and keeping) a job, and I’m often surprised that they should be able to say and do anything they want online without any consequences. I want to set the record straight:
Yes, you can get fired for what you post on Twitter or Facebook.
Yes, what you post on social media can influence whether or not you get hired.
This week, there’s a story making headlines of a young girl who was fired from her job at a small pizzeria before it even began, when she tweeted how unhappy she was about starting the job. When the local business owner was sent a screenshot of her dramatic tweet, he replied to it, firing her with a little drama of its own.
Her tweet:
And the business owner’s reply (he has since set his account to private):
https://twitter.com/Robertwaple/status/564089579049742337
Which prompted her reply:
https://twitter.com/Cellla_/status/564099253182554112
The girl in question has become quite a celebrity, with interview requests and lots of support by people declaring what the business owner did wrong, and some going so far as to say it was illegal. Many told her she should hire an attorney or call the human resources department of the company.
https://twitter.com/crownkid187/status/564738270492647424
@Robertwaple @Cellla_ Actually you could have a big lawsuit on your hands. For misconduct by public harassment firing someone in this way.
— Tabitha London (@CutestComedian) February 9, 2015
@Cellla_ call HR. You can sue. They had no grounds to fire you. You didn't mention a company name. And who the fuck really wants2work anyway
— Bradster (@GothamBradster) February 9, 2015