Your brand strategy and online reputation

 

 

 

You know those uncensored photos your friends tagged you in on Facebook at the weekend? Your new employer does too!

When over 90% of recruiters and HR professionals refer to social media to decide whether to hire you, managing your online reputation is as integral as breathing.

Simultaneously, this very same beast offers us a gloriously unlimited pool of information at our fingertips that we simply couldn’t function without.

Debate the issue of privacy all you want; what goes online, definitely stays online so it’s time you step up your online personal brand management and adapt in this modern age of acceptable cyber-stalking.

We’re not asking you to ‘go dark’. It’s about keeping your profile interesting and relevant. Most importantly, adding a single step into your existing process – consideration. Consider not only what you post, but how you post it.

Do you have a web presence? If you don’t know the answer, Google yourself. Everyone else is.

Let’s assume you have a neutral online reputation. Yes, there are results about you, but they don’t help or hurt you – this is a good starting point.

Some top tips to managing your online brand

 

Don’t let anyone else create your profiles

You know the obligatory question at the airport, ‘Has anyone else packed these bags’? The same applies for your online reputation.
Lock up and go

Privacy settings are there for a reason – use them. Keep personal information to a minimum.
Your BFF does not always know best

Your friends, although your moral compass and general all round super stars, aren’t as invested as you in managing your online brand. Understand the ramifications of a negative online reputation on your future career and make sure they understand how you want to manage your online brand.
Regular spot checks

It’s important that you frequently monitor what is being posted, how you’re tagged on images uploaded. It’s okay to ask to remove images or comments about you. Stay on top of posting information regularly to build up a positive presence.
Building your online brand

If you are a ‘no show’ on Google, then let’s get started. There are a number of ways you can leverage your online presence to get on the radar of potential employers and recruiters.

Effectively managing your online profile and maximizing your online personal brand should be an integral part of your job search. There are a number of ways you can leverage your online presence to get on the radar of potential employers and recruiters.

In a professional capacity, your LinkedIn profile is the one that needs immediate attention and will be reviewed the most by recruiters and HR professionals alike.
Linkedin

  • Make your Linkedin profile work as hard as possible
  • Sell your skills, experience and competencies
  • Maintain an up-to-date profile
  • Ask previous employers or clients you have worked with to recommend you
  • Build out your professional network and leverage your connections
  • Follow key industry experts and companies you want to work for

Twitter

  • Use your feed as a platform to communicate your specialist knowledge and industry expertise
  • Follow industry leaders and media to retain top industry insight
  • Maintain a good balance of professional and informal tweets to show your personality

Facebook

  • Decide if you want Facebook to play a part in your online career arsenal
  • If you do, treat it in the same way you do your LinkedIn profile
  • Publish details about your personal interests and profile-enhancing updates like your charitable activities and voluntary work, sports or writing.

Blogs

  • Blogging in a professional capacity can help enhance your online personal brand
  • If properly managed, it is a channel to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise to a targeted professional audience
  • Tailor your content and tone of voice to your audience
  • Keep the blog regularly updated

Links

  • Include links to your online profiles, personal website and/or blog in your email signature
  • This will maximise your exposure during job applications to potential employers

Raise awareness

  • Don’t forget the professional blogs and LinkedIn discussion groups
  • Raise awareness of your specialist expertise across your professional network – engage in this space by providing commentary on topical discussions
  • Managing and monitoring your online brand should be part and parcel of your career plans and development.

Get in touch

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