Managing your online presence

With the rise of social media and the widespread sharing of personal information online, it’s important to be mindful of your digital presence. During the hiring process, many companies now review social media profiles to learn more about candidates.

Companies will check out your social media profiles to gauge what kind of a person you are, so it’s important that you’re careful about what you post and that you take control of the information you put online.

The key is to make sure your social media accounts are well-managed and to make a clear distinction between your professional and your personal accounts.

Does your professional profile show you in the best light? Does it convey the image you’d want an employer to see? Don’t let your online presence be a risk to your career prospects.

Take a moment to think about what your social media profiles might reveal to potential employers. Are there any photos or posts you wouldn’t want them to see? What about comments and opinions expressed on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) or Threads? Remember, everything you share online contributes to your online image.

Keep in mind that whatever you share online can have a long-lasting digital presence. Deleting it isn’t always enough, as content can be saved, screenshotted, or recorded by others. That’s why being mindful when you post online is crucial.

Take a moment to reconsider before hitting that ‘post’ button, and make sure that your online presence aligns with the professional image you wish to portray.

Search your name on Google to see what comes up. If you have a common name, try adding your location to help narrow down the search.

Check Google images for any photos you’d prefer to keep private. If you find images you’d like to remove, identify where they’re hosted and see if you can request to have them taken down.

Review and adjust your privacy settings on your social media channels to control who can view your images and updates. You can also prevent your profiles from appearing in search engine results, enhancing your online privacy. 

On Facebook and LinkedIn, you can click an option to ‘see what visitors’ see. This is useful to understand what shows to people outside of your network. 

Be mindful of your online interactions, even when sharing with friends. It’s a good idea to steer clear of sharing personal opinions about your employers and colleagues, as these posts can surface and impact your current role and professional image.

Remember that your social media connections can access your past and future posts. Choose your connections wisely, considering how they may perceive your online presence.

If you mention your workplace on social media, clarify that your views are personal and not representative of your company. This distinction ensures transparency and professionalism.

In addition to managing your online presence, consider how it can actively support your job search. Platforms like LinkedIn offer opportunities to showcase your professional achievements and skills. An online portfolio or a professional page on platforms like Instagram or TikTok can help you stand out to potential employers, demonstrating your expertise and enthusiasm for your field. Just be mindful of confidentiality and seeking appropriate permissions when building an online portfolio.

Your online presence is a powerful tool in your career journey. With strategic management and utilisation, you can control your digital footprint and enhance your professional image.

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