Tips to Professionalize Your Online Presence
It is not an overstatement to say that your online presence is nearly as important to hiring managers as your resume. According to the Huffington Post, 80% of employers google potential hires before inviting them in to interview. Is the reason you’re not getting the job because your online presence isn’t professional? Make your online persona more sophisticated — and more hireable — with these four ways to professionalize yourself on the Internet.
1. Google yourself
What will employers see when they google you? If there isn’t much about you — or if there is unflattering material you’d rather erase — take control. To start, fill out your Google+ profile with information about yourself, and, if you don’t already have one, create a LinkedIn profile. Other pages to flesh out your search results include VisualCV, Facebook, and a personal website.
2. Consider your social media style and tailor your online presence accordingly
It’s no secret that hiring managers and colleagues are on social media; oftentimes, colleagues connect on these websites. However, you don’t want your colleagues reading posts written for your after-work bowling club. That’s why it’s important to determine your online personality. Remember, hiring managers can see all of your Facebook rants. If you want to post inappropriate photos to Instagram but also have that profile linked to your Google account, you run the risk of not being taken seriously in the professional world.
3. Build a professional website
A professional website isn’t just for certain industries; it’s for everyone. In a competitive job market place, many finance professionals have discovered that a smart and sophisticated personal website helped them stand out from the crowd. Include elements that are attractive to hiring managers — for example, write detailed descriptions of your accomplishments and projects that you managed. Also, create a blog covering topics on which you are an expert.
4. Optimize your bio on social media
Social media is so appealing as a self-promotional tool because you can finesse the way you appear. That’s why it’s important to write a compelling and detailed personal bio to post across social media. The key to a social media bio is this: you want to appear knowledgeable, professional, and unique, but you also want to demonstrate that you have a personality.
If you feel like you’re not getting responses to your applications, your online presence could be the reason. However, other factors might be holding you back from landing your dream job, too. Career Moves LLC analyzes your application materials to offer you personalized recommendations about how to improve your materials, your skill set, and your interviews. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss.