Can Your Facebook Posting Get You Hated or “Un-liked” at work?

Can Your Facebook Posting Get You Hated or "Un-liked" at Work?

You can read the full article from Stephen Viscusi on the HuffPost Contributor platform, where he explores the real consequences that careless social media activity can have on your career. From political rants and passive-aggressive posts to oversharing personal details, Viscusi examines how what you put on Facebook can follow you into the office — and into your next job interview.

Social Media and Your Career — What Recruiters Actually See

As an executive recruiter who has placed hundreds of professionals over the course of three decades, Viscusi has seen social media derail candidates who were otherwise perfect for a role. Hiring managers and recruiters routinely review a candidate's online presence before extending an offer, and what they find can make or break the decision. A single inflammatory post or an ongoing pattern of negativity can raise red flags that no resume can overcome.

The issue goes beyond hiring. Viscusi points out that your social media behavior also affects how colleagues, clients, and leadership perceive you within your current company. Being "un-liked" online can quickly translate into being sidelined in the office — passed over for promotions, excluded from key projects, or quietly labeled as a liability. In an industry like contract furniture and interiors where relationships drive business, your reputation is your most valuable asset.

Best Practices for Professionals on Social Media

Viscusi's advice is practical and direct: think of every post as something your boss, your biggest client, and your next interviewer will all read — because there is a good chance they will. Keep political opinions measured, avoid airing workplace grievances publicly, and remember that humor does not always translate well in text. When in doubt, do not post it.

At the same time, social media can be a powerful career tool when used strategically. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile, thoughtful industry commentary, and genuine engagement with your professional community can position you as a leader in your field and open doors to opportunities you would never find through traditional channels alone.

Stephen Viscusi's Workplace Commentary

As a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Stephen Viscusi has written extensively about hiring practices, workplace culture, compensation trends, and the evolving expectations of employers and employees. His columns draw from over three decades of hands-on experience running one of the nation's leading executive search firms, giving his commentary a practical edge that resonates with business leaders and job seekers alike.

Viscusi's writing has also appeared in The New York Post, Divine Caroline, and The Ladders. On television, he has been a recurring workplace expert on NBC/Universal's Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, and NPR. ABC's Charles Gibson called him "America's Workplace Guru."

About Stephen Viscusi and The Viscusi Group

Stephen Viscusi is the CEO and founder of The Viscusi Group, a retainer-based executive search firm that specializes in the interior furnishings industry. He started his career at Haworth and has spent over thirty years placing talent across the contract furniture, residential furnishings, and architectural products sectors. Viscusi is also the New York Times bestselling author of On the Job (Random House) and Bulletproof Your Job (HarperCollins), published in 18 languages worldwide.

Hires made through The Viscusi Group are backed by an industry-leading replacement guarantee, reflecting our confidence in every placement we make.

Please share your story or comment on this article and send your workplace questions to stephen@viscusigroup.com. Or give us a call at (212) 979-5700 ext. 101.

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