Recruiters today no longer rely solely on resumes and cover letters, as they utilize all available resources to screen their applicants. Hence, a negative online reputation can significantly damage a job seeker’s employment opportunities and other future endeavors.
Whether you’ve been a victim of online degradation or simply want to improve your digital presence, here are five tips that can help give you a positive image and a competitive edge in the job market.
Evaluate Your Current Online Profile
To boost your online persona, you must first assess the current situation. Do an internet search using common search engines such as Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Bing, and Baidu. Most hiring managers will only check the first few pages of the search results unless they don’t find relevant or valuable information.
In addition to searching your name, you should also conduct an image search to check if your photos have been used illegally or are associated with inappropriate content. If you find negative or outdated details about yourself, reach out to the said platform, as most popular search engines have protocols for removing such content.
Be Mindful of Your Content
Another critical and essential online reputation management strategy is to be conscious of what you share. Avoid using social media platforms as a sounding board, where you vent all your emotions, bad and good. Remove existing content that can further damage your digital presence and replace it with uplifting narratives that can inspire anyone who comes across your socials.
Ensure that there’s consistency among your platforms and are not contradictory to each other. Remember, your social media platforms should serve as an asset and not a hindrance to your job search success.
Improve Your Professional Image
To further attract employers’ attention, make sure that all your digital profiles are employer-friendly. Curate a compelling online persona that will make recruiters want to know more about you.
Highlight your specialized skills, knowledge, and relevant experiences. Audit your online network and check if these individuals complement the image you’re trying to establish. Optimize your professional networking channels, such as Linkedin, as recruiters will most likely evaluate them.
Interact Wisely
Nowadays, online engagement can be tricky. One wrong word or sentence can easily be misconstrued or taken advantage of by others. Therefore, you must interact wisely and carefully choose the individuals you associate yourself with. Instead of engaging unnecessarily with your online peers, focus your efforts on following industry experts or sharing your perspectives on professional online groups or pages.
Develop Your Own Website
Whether it’s for personal or professional use, having your own website can significantly boost your online presence. You can link your social media platforms and other relevant sites to increase your online traction and digital footprint.
Endnote
Over the years, the digital world has become a powerful landscape that offers a plethora of benefits. However, it has also become a weapon of destruction for many individuals determined to bring others down. Even if you’re not job hunting, make sure your digital profiles make a great online impression.
Featured Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
