Why Job Seekers Must Control Their Online Narrative
Did you know? Everyone Has a Digital Footprint. Whether you're actively crafting it or passively letting it develop, everyone has a place online today. Every interaction, post, and comment contributes to your digital footprint, creating a narrative about who you are. And guess what? This narrative matters a lot, especially when you're on the job hunt or freelancing.
To stand out in this digital age, it's crucial to proactively shape that presence, ensuring it truly mirrors who you are and what you bring to the table. This is particularly vital for job seekers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals. One's online presence can make or break opportunities, making this a topic you can't afford to ignore.
Annie Margarita Yang, the bestselling and award-winning author of The 5-Day Job Search, knows this firsthand. Due to her early realization of the importance of personal branding, Annie maintained a keen eye on her digital narrative. One employer even disclosed discovering her YouTube channel, which solidified her expertise in his mind. This personal brand strategy was instrumental in her receiving job offers in just five days – not once, but thrice! Now, let's break down why this matters for you and how you can achieve similar results.
3 Reasons Why It’s Important to Control Your Online Presence
Recruiter's Perspective: Before extending an offer or even an interview, many employers snoop around the internet, trying to find more about potential candidates. If they find unflattering content, it might cost you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Professional Image: Beyond job hunting, your online presence shapes how colleagues, industry peers, and even competitors perceive you. Positive content can bolster your reputation, while negative content can damage your standing, even if it's from years ago.
The Internet Never Forgets: Unlike casual conversations that fade over time, what's online often stays there. A careless post from years ago can come back to haunt your professional life if not managed.
3 Ways to Control Your Online Narrative
Google Yourself: Start by searching your name on Google. It offers a glimpse of what others see when they search for you. If results are less than flattering, it's time to act. Just early this year, while googling my name, I found a less flattering picture of myself from more than four years ago and quickly emailed Google to have it removed. Are you discovering old photos of you or posts you made many years ago that you don’t want people to see? Take steps today, like contacting Google, to remove them.
Use a Personal Landing Page: Think of this as your digital portfolio or résumé. Showcase your skills, accolades, and interests. It centralizes the narrative you want to project.
Mind Your Social Media: Two rules of thumb here – be cautious about what you post and double-check your privacy settings. While job hunting, it's advisable to set your social media accounts to private. This shields you from potential bias or judgments from recruiters based on personal content. Of course, being vigilant doesn’t mean hiding. This ensures potential employers see only what you want them to see during your job hunting process.
Are you hungry for more guidance? Chapter 15 of Annie's book, titled Curating Your Online Narrative With Your Full Name, dives deeper. Buy the book here for a comprehensive approach.
In an age where our online and offline worlds intertwine, it's no longer optional to be passive about our digital footprint. Your online narrative can be your biggest advocate or your harshest critic. By proactively shaping and managing it, you position yourself for success, be it in job hunting, freelancing, or any professional venture. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, taking control ensures you're always seen in the best light.
Don't leave your online narrative to chance. Equip yourself with the best strategies. Start by picking up a copy of The 5-Day Job Search here and embark on a transformative journey. Remember, in the digital realm, you're the author of your story. Make it a compelling one.
