75% of job recruiters are required to research potential employees online. Scary, right?
If you’re in the job market, then you may have already taken steps to make sure potential employers who Google your name don’t inadvertently come across your sex tape before your LinkedIn recommendations. If you haven’t, Google yourself and see what comes up. Scared? Then follow the recommendations below to clean up your online image.
1. Consider an ePortfolio, where you can add your resume, recommendations, a contact form, and perhaps even a blog. Link this ePortfolio to every place you’re online. A few reasons why:
- It’s a fantastic way to stand out from the tons of other cookie cutter resume and cover letter applicants.
- It allows you to present a holistic image of yourself. You can showcase your academic strengths, highlight your experience, and present your asthetic in any way you choose.
- It shows that you’re internet savvy- which in many industries is a big plus today.
- With a little SEO, it’s easy for this to be the first thing that shows up in a Google search for your name.
- About.me and flavors.me are both great, free places to start.
2. If you’re not on LinkedIn, get on LinkedIn.
- You may be tired of hearing it, but it simply is the best professional networking site out there.
- While we’re at it, make sure that you customize your profile URL to have your name in it, instead of a string of letters and numbers. Read more about that here.
3. Update your Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc privacy settings.
- Or, use an alias. At any rate, make sure that no one outside your network has access to those great posts where you’re airing your very appropriate opinions on Sarah Palin, or bemoaning public drunkenness laws.
Need help? Contact Ad Astra. We have experience in designing affordable, professional ePortfolios. When you land your dream job (taster at Willy Wonka’s factory, for me) you’ll be so glad you did!
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