In a Live Q&A on Using social media to find work, RoyMurphy pointed out that everything you do online forms part of your personal reputation and makes up your online brand image. He said: "Good reputation practice is to have a consistent message, content and themes across all of the social networks and interaction points and to use them as a framework for a job or career plan of attack."
Whatever you post online can be found by recruiters and potential hiring managers, so how can you manage your online profile so that you maintain a consistent professional image?
- 1. Create a professional online identity At the very minimum, make sure you have a LinkedIn profile.
- 2. Strengthen your online reputation Become known in your field. Search out industry blogs and forums, and follow professionals in your sector on Twitter. Start participating in discussions, and show that you're following industry trends and can provide thoughtful comments and analysis. You might even consider writing your own blog to demonstrate your professional expertise and knowledge. By commenting, blogging or tweeting in your professional area of interest, you'll be building one, consistent image. You can keep an eye on this by performing a search of your name in major search engines or by setting up a Google alert for your name.
- 3. Separate your professional and personal identities Maintain distinct accounts on Twitter — one for personal updates, and the other for professional ones. Switch your privacy settings on your Facebook account to friends only.
- 4. Be careful of the company you keep Disassociate yourself from anyone who may detract from the image you want to portray. Make sure spammers and porn sites are culled from your Twitter followers, and don't get embroiled in online squabbles or take sides in petty disputes.
- 5. Make your profile maintenance a regular activity Set aside time each day to read, comment and tweet. Regular participation helps keep you in people's minds, and reinforces your professional image.
When increasing numbers of recruiters and hiring managers are using LinkedIn as a talent database, it makes sense to be visible. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of being found, so continue updating it, by asking for and making recommendations, adding status updates, and building your network.
