Managing your online image and Job Search process

 The third session I attended in “Preparing for Employment in a Workplace Conference” was on “how to manage your online image and jobe search.” Here is a synopsis from the presentation:

1.    Be visible online – Identify some popular social networking sites – to get started try Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.

2.    Identify possible ways to use social networking sites – for e.g. network on linkedin and Facebook; check out job listings on linkedin; display your work on – blog, youtube, flickr, personal website, slideshare; read and learn about what others are writing about your field.

3.    Positive ways of using your online profile for job search

a.    Network with classmates, people on campus, people with similar interests, potential employers and renew old friendships and alumni.

b.    Post your resume, build online portfolios, create personal websites, and write a blog.

4.    Managing your online profile -

a.    Clean up your online image – do a self-audit on your online profile.

b.    Avoid posting everything about yourself – because hitting the delete button doesn’t mean the information is gone.

c.    Create an action plan to improve your online image.

d.    Avoid posting sensitive information about yourself such as your political affiliations which may lead to discrimination.

5.    Learn how employers use social networking sites in recruitment

a.    Background check – employers can gain access if your online profile is public, through alumni, college interns, fan pages you subscribe to; government organizations can gain access using Patriot Act; and outside companies using Fair Credit Reporting Act.

b.    What employers may learn about you –                                              

 i.    Your judgment in posting materials about yourself on your online profile.

                                               ii.    Whether you allow all your information to be public?

                                              iii.    Is there something about your lifestyle that may be questionable?

I found the above points to be very useful. Let me know if you have more, I would be happy to include them in my post.