Can You Be Found Online?

You don't have to be an avid blogger.  You don't even need to have your own website (though it might help).  If an employer receives your resume and they have some level of interest in you, chances are, they will google your name.  The question you want to know the answer to is "what will they see?".  "Nothing" is not a good answer. 

I read a blog post by Career Goddessabout online identity management which led me to an assessment to check out my online identity level.  I scored well using Career Sherpa.  I'm not so sure how well I would have scored using my name- it is pretty common. 

The online identity assessment started by asking me to google my name so I did :  "Career Sherpa".  (Use quotation marks).  How many results did you get?  How many are actually YOU?  How many are on the first page? 

There are several ways to increase being found on page 1.

• Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile
• Create a VisualCV
• Comment on blog posts relating to your industry (industry related is key)
• Create a Twitter account and use it professionally

If you want to blog, rather than start your own, which isn't hard, however, can be time consuming, try and find a users group or Ning site dedicated to your profession or industry.  You can sometimes have a mini blog which is hosted by the larger group.

The other way you can become recognized as a thought leader in your field is to submit articles to industry publications.

This can all take time. It is an investment in your future.  You can either jump on the bus now or...

Comments

[resume writing]

Wow Impressive!
Your blog is very informative. However, it is pretty hard task but your
post and experience serve and teach me how to handle and make it more
simple and manageable.
Thanks for the tips… Best regards.

[Career Sherpa]

Carol, thanks! I think that you're a great example of someone who has experimented and embraced these outlets! I particularly support contributing to blogs. Find blogs of relevance to your occupation or industry. It's a really easy way to begin to develop virtual relationships! Easy does it, definately start with LinkedIn!

[Carol White Llewellyn, The Finger Lakes Travel Maven]

Hannah -

I agree that people these days need to manage their online profiles. Whether they're seeking a job, or they're in sales, in real estate, a writer, or really any profession, if someone is searching for them, the search starts with their business card. It next turns to the internet. If you're not online, they're handicapped.

The following, in order of importance, are a MUST:
~ LinkedIn
~ VisualCV (if job seeking)
~ Contributions to blogs (nice if you can do your own, but not necessary)
~ Twitter
~ Facebook (some industries are heavily into facebook, others are not)

I've had people say "I thought Facebook and Twitter are for students." These two media have become multi-generational.

If this feels like a tsunami, start with one (LinkedIn) and expand.