“The internet is forever” is an expression that ceased to exist several generations ago and is now embedded into the foundation of creating our online footprint. For about half of employers, the standard hiring procedure includes running a thorough comb-through of a candidate’s digital archives, which can often make or break a job offer. So, how do job seekers know if their online presence is hindering their ability to get hired? We’re here to make sure your online presence works for you, not against you.
Absolutely. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 55% of employers view prospective applicants’ online profiles as part of their standard screening process to identify red flags and see how they interact with others online.[1] While this obviously doesn’t represent future productivity or overall job performance, it may tell the story of how someone would fit into their culture.
But the real takeaway from this data is that employers care about who you are, not just what you can do. You’ll want to put your best foot forward online, or you may not get the chance to do so in person.
Before making any rash changes to your profiles, take stock of what’s there. What is the overall theme of your online identity? Does it truly reflect who you are and what your goals are? What impression does it give to someone seeing it for the first time? Are there any immediate issues you can identify that may expose areas of concern?
If you’ve shared mainly harmless information related to your skills, career path, family and friends, interests, or hobbies, these are insights into your values that let others get to know you. But you can do without any poor representations of your character, off-color screen names, or outdated content.
If you want more tips or help enhancing your line presence, reach out to IDR today. We can help you put your best foot forward online and land your dream IT role!
[1]https://resources.careerbuilder.com/employer-blog/the-state-of-the-hiring-market