Your Professional Identity

Social networking sites are good ways of broadcasting your interests, skills, and need for work.

According to a 2017 survey, 70 percent of employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring.  As well, 69 percent of employers are using online search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing to research candidates.  Employers primarily search for information that supports applicants’ qualifications for the job while some look for what other people are posting about the candidates
(see: CareerBuilder | Career & Job Advice | Discovery)

Build and manage your public online profiles so that potential employers find positive and professional information about you.

Consider developing an online resume or e-portfolio – Use your e-portfolio to showcase any impressive projects you’ve worked on, including web links.

Create a thoughtful, well-written blog about your career goals or interests. Comment on recent news in the field. Post comments on others’ blogs and use your full name to distinguish your professional ideas.

Tips

• Use an email address that sounds professional– potential employers may hesitate to respond to a childish email title.
• Remove or restrict access to any pictures, messages or videos you would not want your boss or coworkers to see from your online profile.
• Update your profile (and privacy settings) on your existing social networking sites.
• Use a dedicated email address so people can contact you, but do not post your phone number, mailing address or any other private information.

Consider developing an online resume or e-portfolio – Use your e-portfolio to showcase any impressive projects you’ve worked on, including web links.

For more information, see:

• Preparing your Resume for the Internet, GCF Global
• How to Create and Upload a Resume Online, The Balance Careers
• Building a Great Professional Portfolio, Monster

Create a thoughtful, well-written blog about your career goals or interests. Comment on recent news in the field. Post comments on others’ blogs and use your full name to distinguish your professional ideas.

Tips

• Use an email address that sounds professional– potential employers may hesitate to respond to a childish email title.
• Remove or restrict access to any pictures, messages or videos you would not want your boss or coworkers to see from your online profile.
• Update your profile (and privacy settings) on your existing social networking sites.
• Use a dedicated email address so people can contact you, but do not post your phone number, mailing address or any other private information.