WHAT IS YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT?
Everything on the internet that is about you!
This could include:
- Profile on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin
- Photographs put up by you, friends or family
- Written information by you or written about you
e.g. on discussion boards, blogs, or in articles.
UNCOVER YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
First check what others can see about you:
- Search for your name on Google
- see what information already exists about you.
- Repeat this regularly
- You may not have added anything new, but your friends and family might have.
CONTENT THAT DISCOURAGED EMPLOYERS:
53% rejected candidates that posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information
44% rejected candidates that posted content about them drinking or using drugs
35% rejected candidates that bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients
CAPITALISE ON YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
The Internet and social media offer unprecedented
opportunities to network if used appropriately:
- You can build a positive online presence that showcases your skills, experience and interests.
- Professional networking (LinkedIn), can expand your range of contacts and give you access to potential employers.
- You can enhance your digital footprint by carefully judged contributions to blogs, news articles and discussions
- Keeping a positive online presence regularly updated can reduce the impact of any earlier content you may regret,
- Consider whether it is worth the time and effort
LINKEDIN & TWITTER
LinkedIn:
- A professional networking site –no ‘pokes’, ‘likes’ or embarrassing photos
- Over 65 million members in 200 countries
- Recruiters headhunt and jobseekers network
- http://learn.linkedin.com/
Twitter:
- A ‘micro-blogging site’ – communicate thoughts & what you are doing.
- Join in a massive online conversation
- Used more professionally than other conversations
- People form loose connections around common interests
- People have been known to find jobs and headhunt through twitter
CONTENT THAT ENCOURAGED EMPLOYERS:
50% hired candidates whose online profile provided a good feel for the candidates personality and fit with the organisation
38% hired candidates whose profiles were creative
33% hired candidates whose profiles showed them to have solid communication skills
DOS AND DON’TS
TO KEEP A POSITIVE IMAGE ONLINE:
- DO clean up digital dirt BEFORE you begin your job search
- DO change the privacy settings on your social networking site so that only your friends can see your personal information
- DO consider separating your personal and professional online profiles
- DO keep gripes offline & always avoid inappropriate language, ill-advised comments or jokes
- DON’T forget others can see your friends, so be selective about who you accept as friends.
- DON’T mention your job search if you’re still employed.
