Survey: You Must Manage Your Own Online Reputation

Of those who search online for information about prospective hires were asked then asked:

“Have you ever decided not to hire a candidate based on information you found online?”

Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group, said that professionals should keep all audiences in mind when posting information online. “Search engines make it quick and easy to learn about people,” he said. “If there’s something that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to know about you, don’t post that information in a public forum.”

According to Dave Willmer, executive director of The Creative Group, some hiring managers “search online to gain a better sense of a candidate’s industry involvement and interests.”

“Employers aren’t just looking for red flags,” he said. “They’re also seeking evidence that a potential staff member is invested in the profession, perhaps through participation in trade groups, or industry blogs or message boards.”

Here’s a list of tips for creating an impressive “digital footprint”:

Stack the deck in your favor.
Websites such as ZoomInfo.com allow users to post information about themselves, so consider including details about your professional involvement and qualifications on these types of forums.

Make the most of social networking sites.
Sites such as LinkedIn.com are good venues for learning about job openings and making new contacts. But be selective in who you allow into your network. Potential employers who have access to your contact list may ask these professionals for referrals.

Share your insights.
Posting your comments on industry forums or authoring online articles in your area of expertise is a smart way to reinforce your professional reputation.

Create your own website.
Along with showcasing industry knowledge on other people’s websites, you also can create your own Internet presence with links to articles of interest, and information about your skills and past achievements. For creative professionals, a website with work samples is especially beneficial, as many employers will want to see prior projects before arranging a job interview.

Be prepared to explain.
If there is unflattering information about you online that you cannot remove, be prepared to offer an explanation to employers who might inquire about it.

The Creative Group is a company that offers online job search services and has local offices in many major markets in the USA and in Canada.

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