Anybody can walk into a job interview with a fresh haircut, and new suit, and a sparkling resume, but what are they hiding? It is almost a guarantee, due to the advances in social media, that employers “Google” their candidate before making their ultimate decision. Social media sites are the ultimate archives for the skeletons in your closet, but it isn’t all bad. Social media should not only be used as a tool for employers, everybody should be taking advantage of the leverage it offers. If Google is the new resume, then it is time to clean up that web presence and get cracking on personal branding.
Google yourself, are you impressed with what you found? Nobody will ever have complete control of what ends up online, but there are precautions that can be taken to put the odds in your favor. The best way to get rid of information online is to bury it. If your current content is not professional, poorly written, or just not a good representation of who you are, create new content online burying the old posts. If you are using social media, consider having a personal account and a professional account. Privacy settings can protect your personal life, but it is still important to keep your online presence clean- keep it PG. Rather than trying to hide your social media accounts, it is key to use them to your advantage. Having no online presence is just as bad as having a poor online presence.
A resume is only a page long, so this is your chance to further promote yourself. Consider sharing blog posts on your social media sites, this allows employers to see your writing skills. Make sure you have great online connections. Connect with people in your field, people you look up to and people you can gain relevant information from. Check-in at professional events, share informative links, and interact within your network. These simple, easy tips are guaranteed to boost your online presence, and make you interview ready. The world of social media can be an intimidating place, make sure you are one step ahead of the rest.
Just remember, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas; what happens on Twitter stays on Google Forever.” – Jure Klepic