Technology is great right? Well, it goes both ways. One thing I always get my clients to do before applying for a job is this one (very important) thing…
Google your name
Yup, that’s it. Sounds simple right? Maybe. That really depends on what’s out there!
We’ve all been guilty from time to time looking up ridiculous things on the internet, making comments or sharing a blunt or rude joke. But did you know that the internet remembers everything? Even a single tweet on Twitter can come back to haunt you and significantly impact your career.
When you apply for a job, you’re not immune from a potential employer doing this very same google search. Considering you already have several barriers against you (competition, resume / cover letter / LinkedIn strength) in the job application process, why allow something you shared or said on Twitter to add to the list of barriers? Your goal is to land that dream job right?
You may have all the qualifications, all the skills, a killer resume, the perfect interview technique, but without a clean online personal image you’re going to have a tough time even getting short-listed.
So, make sure you google your name and see what’s out there. If you can find it, so can a potential employer.
If you need to do some online spring cleaning, don’t worry—there are options. But the best advice is to be careful about what you post online.
Okay, so there’s a few things you’d prefer would somehow conveniently disappear. I hear you. These options below may just help and will improve your chances of getting job interviews.
- Email the website and ask them to remove your information;
- Email Google and ask them to remove the information from the search engine;
- Delete any information in your control across social media or old blogs;
Obviously, prevention is best but you should consider enhancing your privacy settings on all of your social media platforms.
Controlling your online personal brand and how it is perceived by potential employers is a no brainer step in the right direction to achieving the career you deserve.
If you would like to discuss your career in more detail or simply need help getting your application strength up to standard then feel free to book your FREE 20 minute phone consultation here. What have you got to lose?