Do you know the (9) ways job seekers can manage their online reputation?

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9 Ways Job Seekers Can Manage Their Online Reputation

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Here is another great article that I ran across on LinkedIn for the Job Seekers.

This is important for individuals that use social media on a regular basis and are trying to get a job after their transition out of the military.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/9-ways-job-seekers-can-manage-online-reputation-tanya-freedman?trk=pulse-det-nav_art

Did what happened in Vegas truly STAY in Vegas?

Chances are there is information or pictures posted about you online that would send red flags to potential employers. If you have an online presence at all, the odds are good that your future employer will be doing a background search on you.

That's why it's important to do a vanity search periodically to see what you can find about yourself online. Here's some pointers:

Do a Google Search for Your Name
Start by typing your name into Google with quotation marks around it like "Mary Smith". Do searches for your current name, past names, nicknames, and email addresses you have used.

Do this for all the major search engines including: Google, Bing, and Yahoo! and see what comes up that could be revealing.

Do an Image Search
Perform an image search on Google by typing your name into google.com and see what comes up.

If you have any pictures you are concerned about, you can do a reverse image search by visiting images.google.com then on your computer, click the image you want to search for in Google. While holding down the mouse, drag the image into the search box.

This will show you any sites that are featuring that picture from your computer and you can make the necessary steps to remove them from the offending sites.

How to Remove Unflattering Content
If you discover a post, picture, or content online that is on someone's website, you need to contact the website owner to ask if they would remove it. The person is more likely to respond if you are polite and professional.

Send them an email with a link to the offending content. If you are nice and they don't comply, you can hire a lawyer and follow up with legal action. Be aware that if you send or post rude, nasty, or inflammatory comments about them, this can be posted publicly in social media, blogs or otherwise. So be careful what you say. It may end up worsening your situation if you post foul language or threats and they publicly post that.

Set Up a Google Alert to Do the Spying For You
Set up a Google Alert so you get notified when new information about you appears on the World Wide Web. You can get Google Alerts daily with new content about you that occurs online.

Here's how to setup a Google alert for your name and email address:
Go to google.com/alerts
If you already have Google account go ahead and login. If you don't, then sign up for one first.
Set up a search for terms you with to track such as your name, email address, and other keywords. Adjust the search for how often you would like to receive updates.
Anytime a new search is uncovered that matches your criteria, it will show up in your inbox.
Review your Own Content
Search through your social media accounts-- you may be surprised to find something you forgot about like an old MySpace account still lurking online with embarrassing content.

Check your privacy settings for all your social media accounts -- delete or modify anything that could make a bad impression on a future employer. This includes nudity, drunken photos, profanity, off color jokes, highly political views, sexual innuendos, and talking poorly about previous co-workers, bosses, and employers.

Also, make sure you haven't bragged about things you did while you called in sick.

Review any Groups You Are In
If you belong to a forum, Facebook Group, or LinkedIn Group, review comments and posts you have shared to make sure you have not shared anything inappropriate or that might blow your cover with your current employer about your job search.

Consider Setting up a New Anonymous Email for your Job Search
If you are looking for a new job, more than likely you don't want your current employer to find out. Definitely do not use your current job related email; instead, set up a new anonymous personal email to use for your job search.

Don't get an email like [login to see] that leaves it obvious to your current employer that it's you. Consider something a little more clever with Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo! like [login to see] .

See if Anyone Has a Similar Name
Unbeknownst to you there may be someone with a very similar name that could cause confusion if an employer does a background search.

For example if there is a Joe Anderson who was convicted of a crime, you may want to consider using Joseph A. Anderson for your resume and online job search to distinguish yourself from the unscrupulous individual.

Have a Plan B
If you are aware of unflattering content and can't get it removed, be prepared to have a defensive explanation if you are asked about the situation during an interview.
Proactively managing your personal brand online can mean the difference in getting the job. Take time to review your reputation online so embarrassing content doesn't stain your credibility with future employers.

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