Looking For a New Job? Prepare to Be Googled

Posted by Job and Career Writer in Career Search, Job Interview

Interviewing for a new job?

Think that the hiring manager isn’t Googling your name or visiting your Facebook profile?

Employers no longer use just resumes and references to screen candidates.

Learn how to plan for the new online reference checking rules and brand yourself online.

1 -Create a simple web site or blog using your name

Create an internet portal where you control the content. Use this website as a place to list your resume, bio, professional accomplishments, experience and education.

Search engines rank the most recent and frequent results first, so it’s important to continuously post information about your brand. Your goal is to create relevant information about you that will remain at the top of search pages.

2- Avoid posting inappropriate photos of yourself online.

Posting scantily clad pictures of yourself or trashing a colleague online, is stupid behavior.

Before you post that provocative picture on Myspace or comment negatively about your competitor on a blog, think about what might surface when someone places your name in Google. Think of the long-term consequences of posting pictures, songs or information that might not represent the image of the company that you are applying for.

3 -Position yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

Be a recognized innovator in your field. Write articles about common issues and challenges in the marketplace. Visit your favorite blogs that are related to your career, and post positive comments. Volunteer your services to non-profit organizations that could use your talents to further their cause.

The days when employers ignored your internet image and didn’t think your blog comments were important, are long gone. Employers like Apple, Google and Samsung will use stealth background research tactics to investigate your work history.

Get ready for your personal information to be researched and investigated prior to your meet your future employer.

Protect your name and your online reputation. Remember perception is reality in the online world.