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THE QUESTION
I am outspoken about my political views on Instagram and I’m wondering whether it’s affecting my job search. I post about protests and rallies that I attend and advertise petitions and fundraising campaigns that I believe in. I am by no means an influencer – I have about 600 followers – but my account is public and easily searchable. Being vocal about my beliefs is important to me. My job has nothing to do with my political views but I’m reluctant to take posts down or make my account private. Could being politically outspoken be harming my chances at getting a new job?
THE FIRST ANSWER
Jenny Chen, chief executive officer and founder, Catalais Consulting Ltd., Ottawa
Staying true to your beliefs and values is important, but authenticity comes with accountability. In today’s world, your online presence is an extension of your professional reputation. If your public views don’t align with a company’s values, it doesn’t always mean you’re being penalized – it means you’re making a choice. You’re choosing to stand by your convictions over conforming to an organization’s expectations.
The freedom to share your views – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of anything – as we’ve learned, isn’t freedom from consequences.
We see this play out often. People who advocate for inclusion, equity and human rights tend to align with most corporate values and are often celebrated for it. Others who express more polarizing views on topics such as immigration, gender identity or reproductive rights may face resistance or professional consequences.
So the real question becomes: what matters more to you right now – standing firm in your beliefs or preserving job security? There’s no right or wrong answer, but there is a responsibility to understand the impact of your choices.
If your beliefs are core to who you are, and you’re comfortable accepting whatever comes with expressing them, then own that proudly. But if your professional goals take priority, it’s worth reflecting on how – and where – you share your views. Authenticity and accountability go hand in hand.
THE SECOND ANSWER
Aamna Coskun, founder and fractional HR consultant, PocketHR, Toronto
It’s possible – but that doesn’t mean you need to silence yourself. Hiring decisions are made by humans, and humans carry bias, even if it’s unconscious. While most employers won’t admit it, social media can quietly shape perceptions about “fit” – and yes, sometimes about focus. Some hiring managers might wonder how much of your time or energy goes into activism, even when it’s unrelated to the job.
That said, being outspoken isn’t automatically a dealbreaker. Many organizations value people who have a voice and care deeply about the world around them. The real question is whether you’d want to work somewhere that sees advocacy as a red flag.
If you’re concerned, do a quick audit instead of a full wipe. Ask yourself: Would I stand by this post if it came up in an interview? If yes, keep it up. If not, reframe or archive it – not to hide who you are, but to ensure your public presence reflects your values and your professionalism.
The right employer won’t expect you to shrink to fit their comfort level. They’ll appreciate the same courage, empathy and conviction you show online – because that’s often what drives meaningful work offline, too.
Have a question for our experts? Send an email to NineToFive@globeandmail.com with ‘Nine to Five’ in the subject line. Emails without the correct subject line may not be answered.