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Do you want to impress company recruiters with your job application but do not know how? Do you triple check your resume, prepare for any interview question, and network with company representatives, yet when decisions are released you still do not get the job you want? What component is hindering your acceptance? The answer may point to your virtual footprint.
According to Michael Fertik, CEO of Reputation.com, "The internet is the first, second and third stop for employers today when considering you for a job. People are not even getting to first base, not even getting to the interview because of content that's out there about them on the Web." [1]
Whether you realize it or not, employers now more than ever are screening your virtual profile in order to narrow down their stacks of applicants, so it may be time to clean up your act online. Here are some helpful guidelines, including what to remove, what to watch out for, and what to add, in order to build a professional virtual profile that will impress any recruiter!
First Step: Google Yourself
As if you were the recruiter, see what information first pops up about you on Google. Is it good, bad, or ugly? Is it hurting or helping your chances of getting the job you want? Now that you have an idea of what others can find on you, you have the opportunity to make changes to your virtual image in order to promote the best you.
What You Should Reconsider Now
Employers are not necessarily looking for the worst about you but they can easily find it if it is out there on the web. Therefore, starting now, take steps to trim the following negative items from your online sites. Here are the key factors of your virtual footprint to reconsider:
According to Michael Fertik, CEO of Reputation.com, "The internet is the first, second and third stop for employers today when considering you for a job. People are not even getting to first base, not even getting to the interview because of content that's out there about them on the Web." [1]
Whether you realize it or not, employers now more than ever are screening your virtual profile in order to narrow down their stacks of applicants, so it may be time to clean up your act online. Here are some helpful guidelines, including what to remove, what to watch out for, and what to add, in order to build a professional virtual profile that will impress any recruiter!
First Step: Google Yourself
As if you were the recruiter, see what information first pops up about you on Google. Is it good, bad, or ugly? Is it hurting or helping your chances of getting the job you want? Now that you have an idea of what others can find on you, you have the opportunity to make changes to your virtual image in order to promote the best you.
What You Should Reconsider Now
Employers are not necessarily looking for the worst about you but they can easily find it if it is out there on the web. Therefore, starting now, take steps to trim the following negative items from your online sites. Here are the key factors of your virtual footprint to reconsider:
- Don't post inappropriate comments, such as negative comments about current and previous employers, discriminating comments, and comments about drinking or drug involvement. Especially since social media is becoming an emotional outlet for people, think twice before posting anything you cannot retract.
- Don't post inappropriate pictures, especially since online pictures can "speak" louder than words. Recruiters recommend "When in doubt, leave it out."
- Don't lie about your qualifications on paper because companies may find the real truth online. Most companies value integrity, so honesty is the best policy.
- Don't forget to check what friends have posted about you because they are not always watching out for your best interests. With the ease of the web, "it takes just a few minutes for someone to destroy [your reputation, but] the good news is that you can post positive material about yourself that eventually pushes the negative search results off the first page of a search engine" says Kerby Anderson on PointOfView.com. [3]
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What You Should Do Going Forward
No need to fear the internet. A positive virtual footprint can actually help you get the job you want! With a little caution and care, a positive, professional image can be the selling point on your application. If it is time to revamp your online image, here is what you should do going forward:
How To Use Various Communication Channels
Using the tips mentioned above, the next step is to create a professional online portfolio, which is a highly recommended course of action. Various online sites, each with their own purpose, can help you reach different audiences. For example, use LinkedIn to highlight your professional experiences, previous jobs, organizations, skills, and professional groups. Use Facebook to display a well-rounded personality that shows you are a good company fit. Use Google Sites to create a professional webpage that includes posts about industry interests, your experiences, and more through effective communication. Recruiters will search sites such as these to find this kind of information about you. Take a look.
Is No News Good News?
Recently, recruiters have shared that if employers cannot find any online presence for a candidate, often they will consult databases that have stored deleted information to search for something about you. Most of us want deleted material to stay deleted, so at the very least, it is better to have something online rather than nothing.
What To Remember In The End
If you are still stuck, ask yourself, "What do I have to offer to an employer?" Then, step by step transform your online presence into a professional virtual profile that exemplifies your strong points. Most employers simply want to see if your personality portrayed through your online presence is a good company fit, so do not panic but rather be mindful of what employers will be observing. Everything you decide to post is at the click of a button, so choose to positively influence your employer's opinion. Your virtual footprint can be a game changer, and whether it positively or negatively influences your application is in your hands.
Sources:
[1] Quote found at: B. Sullivan. "When it comes to online reputation, life's not fair, and companies aren't either." NBC News Technology. Internet: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/when-it-comes-online-reputation-lifes-not-fair-companies-arent-120312?franchiseSlug=technolog, Sep. 30, 2011 [Feb. 28, 2013].
[2] Image found at: S. Thompson. "The Top Social Media Fails - at Work!" The Underscover Recruiter. Internet: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/social-media-fails-work/?utm_source=The+Undercover+Recruiter+Mailchimp&utm_campaign=21e00a2bed-July_18th_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecc4b8afd3-21e00a2bed-58854545, [Feb. 28, 2013] (image source: Mashable.com).
[3] Quote found at K. Anderson. "Your Reputation and the Internet." Point Of View Daily Commentary. http://pov.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=4761.0&dlv_id=9121, Nov. 21, 2008 [Feb. 28, 2013].
[4] Image found at: S. Roncero-Menendez. "What Employers Look For In Your Online Profiles." Mashable. Internet: http://mashable.com/2013/09/13/social-network-employers/, Sep. 13, 2013 [Feb. 28, 2013].
[5] Structural format inspired by: B. Wrobel. "Maintaining A Professional Online Profile." Internet: http://brianwrobel1.weebly.com/blog.html, Sep. 10, 2013 [Feb 28, 2013].
No need to fear the internet. A positive virtual footprint can actually help you get the job you want! With a little caution and care, a positive, professional image can be the selling point on your application. If it is time to revamp your online image, here is what you should do going forward:
- Do illustrate effective communication through language and grammar. Consider your audience. For example, for professional communication, use etiquette when appropriate (such as on emails), limit inappropriate smiley faces and animations, and be both concise and polite.
- Do show you are well rounded through posts, pictures, and groups associated with service, professional interests, etc. Groups such as "Texas A&M AIChE Chapter" would highlight a positive image, while groups such as "Party Hard Pals" would degrade your image.
- Do create a professional portfolio to showcase your academic skills, work experience, and extracurricular activities. Include documents such as your resume, essays, and other work. A professional portfolio allows you to make your credentials accessible to employers, which can validate information on your resume and application.
How To Use Various Communication Channels
Using the tips mentioned above, the next step is to create a professional online portfolio, which is a highly recommended course of action. Various online sites, each with their own purpose, can help you reach different audiences. For example, use LinkedIn to highlight your professional experiences, previous jobs, organizations, skills, and professional groups. Use Facebook to display a well-rounded personality that shows you are a good company fit. Use Google Sites to create a professional webpage that includes posts about industry interests, your experiences, and more through effective communication. Recruiters will search sites such as these to find this kind of information about you. Take a look.
Is No News Good News?
Recently, recruiters have shared that if employers cannot find any online presence for a candidate, often they will consult databases that have stored deleted information to search for something about you. Most of us want deleted material to stay deleted, so at the very least, it is better to have something online rather than nothing.
What To Remember In The End
If you are still stuck, ask yourself, "What do I have to offer to an employer?" Then, step by step transform your online presence into a professional virtual profile that exemplifies your strong points. Most employers simply want to see if your personality portrayed through your online presence is a good company fit, so do not panic but rather be mindful of what employers will be observing. Everything you decide to post is at the click of a button, so choose to positively influence your employer's opinion. Your virtual footprint can be a game changer, and whether it positively or negatively influences your application is in your hands.
Sources:
[1] Quote found at: B. Sullivan. "When it comes to online reputation, life's not fair, and companies aren't either." NBC News Technology. Internet: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/when-it-comes-online-reputation-lifes-not-fair-companies-arent-120312?franchiseSlug=technolog, Sep. 30, 2011 [Feb. 28, 2013].
[2] Image found at: S. Thompson. "The Top Social Media Fails - at Work!" The Underscover Recruiter. Internet: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/social-media-fails-work/?utm_source=The+Undercover+Recruiter+Mailchimp&utm_campaign=21e00a2bed-July_18th_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecc4b8afd3-21e00a2bed-58854545, [Feb. 28, 2013] (image source: Mashable.com).
[3] Quote found at K. Anderson. "Your Reputation and the Internet." Point Of View Daily Commentary. http://pov.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=4761.0&dlv_id=9121, Nov. 21, 2008 [Feb. 28, 2013].
[4] Image found at: S. Roncero-Menendez. "What Employers Look For In Your Online Profiles." Mashable. Internet: http://mashable.com/2013/09/13/social-network-employers/, Sep. 13, 2013 [Feb. 28, 2013].
[5] Structural format inspired by: B. Wrobel. "Maintaining A Professional Online Profile." Internet: http://brianwrobel1.weebly.com/blog.html, Sep. 10, 2013 [Feb 28, 2013].