Sunday, January 31, 2010

Online Identity and Branding

In today's business world, employers look at much more than our cover letter and resume when considering us for a position. The rapid growth of the online technology we have the opportunity to develop a strong professional online identity. Many employers now Google the names of their applicants to gain a better insight on potential employees; therefore, an online identity may help or hurt you if you’re not careful.

An important initial step in recognizing your online identity is to Google yourself and analyze the results of your name. Set your name apart from others with similar names by using your middle name or middle initial and keep it consistent with all your networking names. Secondly, it is important to log on to all your network profiles and adjust the privacy settings to restrict outside viewing and edit any negative pictures and language you may have on the site. Every picture and piece of writing available on the internet will effect how you look as a professional.

It is important to build a professional online identity on networks such as LinkedIn or Spoke. Employers constantly search these sites for new employees. You should continually access these accounts and update your profile to maintain up to date pictures, names, skills, qualifications and work experienc. Link your professional work and achievements done on other sites to your network and stay connected to individuals in the field you are pursuing. It is also a good idea to continuously add blog post on topics that you feel strong about where you may demonstrate your knowledge and leadership.

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