Are you using social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn?
From a career management perspective, it is important to present a professional identity online.
Recruiters and Hiring Managers are using every resource available to them to learn about candidates. What does a Google Search of your name say about you? Check out my top five tips for creating a savvy online career identity:
- Don’t be invisible online. You may feel like hiding your online identity from current and potential employers but ensuring your profiles are employer-friendly will actually work in your favour.
- Check out www.addictomatic.com, which is an online reputation aggregator. Type in your name and other identifying words and it instantly shows your virtual identity.
- Remove any posts, pictures and tags that show a side of your life you don’t want an employer to see. In Facebook change your Privacy Settings so only Friends can see your associated content. For more on Facebook Privacy, click here.
- Twitter is a great way to build a professional online identity by connecting with people you may not get a chance to meet in person. You can follow thought leaders and industry leaders, Retweet value added content and profile yourself as a subject matter expert in your field.
- Make a strong first impression to employers by completing your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn suggests that a 100% complete profile greatly increases your chance of rising to the top of LinkedIn searches. To be complete you need:
- A current position
- Two past positions
- Education
- Profile Summary
- Photo
- Specialties
- At least 3 recommendations
With 80% of Recruiters Google searching candidates, it is critical that you make a positive first impression in your virtual world. See you online!
