Ways Your Online Reputation Can Help Your Job

In the digital age, it's no longer true that first impressions are everything. When you're looking for a job, you might interview flawlessly, thus making a great impression. As soon as you leave, however, the hiring manager will look you up online, go over your social media profiles, and discover the person you really are—will those impressions match?

The Far-Reaching Benefits of Internet Resumes

For the moment, forget about Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. While fun and even beneficial, those sites don't necessarily highlight your job skills. With hot spots like LinkedIn and Google+, however, you can easily broadcast your résumé online. You don't even have to work around the restrictions of a written résumé. Instead, you can list all of your accomplishments, from college degrees and clubs to special skills and qualifications. It's all in one place, where you can quickly update it with new information. Trust that every hiring manager will find you.

Google Searches Lead to Success

If nothing else, a quick Google search will lead prospective employers to your social media profiles. For that reason, it's vital to make sure your online reputation is solid and positive. If you fear that a search might turn up negative information, delete everything you can and seek professional help immediately. Use a BVP Portfolio for Reputation.com to your advantage by making sure that you are always represented in the best possible light. If you aren't careful about your online reputation, that first impression won't matter. Your Internet impression will cost you the job.

Social Media's Impact on Your Online Reputation

On the subject of Facebook, Twitter, and the more entertaining forms of social media, they can easily make you or break you. You have to keep your personal accounts completely private. Many people have a professional page that they happily show to hiring managers and the like, while keeping their personal exploits to themselves. This way, you can share what you like without negatively influencing your reputation or damaging your integrity. Never let employers find a page filled with joke photos, personal information, or any other details you wouldn't feel comfortable sharing in a professional setting.

Blogging About Your Expertise

Lots of people blog and you should do it, too. As long as you keep up a professional blog, it's an asset to your online reputation. You can share some personal anecdotes and information, but keep it to a minimum and make sure it's appropriate. Focus more on your skills and strengths. For instance, if you're a great writer or good at web design, make your blog a place to share examples of your work. Give your bosses a place where they can see how amazing you are at your given talents. It could mean getting a job or promotion.

If you craft a solid, stable, and influential online reputation that paints you in a good light, your career will benefit from your hard work. Just do your best to keep anything offensive, embarrassing, or boring out of the public eye—and remember that if you wouldn't say it out loud, you shouldn't share it online.