It can be tough navigating the job market these days for employers and candidates alike. The internet has opened the door to people from different countries to work with each other despite being in different parts of the world. 


Even domestically, workers are raising the bar—they are learning more skills, getting certifications, and continuously improving themselves. As a job seeker, you should stay competitive by securing your reputation online and crossing the following things off your list.


Take stock of what is online about you


You would not turn in a resume or cover letter without proofreading it, so why should you forego scanning your online footprint? Be aware of what is online about you—look for your name on major search engines like Google, Bing, and even YouTube. Seek help from friends and family as well; ask them to search for you and see what comes up.


If you have an account with Google, note that you must log out when searching for your name, so you can get a more accurate picture of what results look like for other people. Search for various phrases; include quotation marks, your city or state, your previous employer, and the last industry or field where you were employed.


Clarify your online identity


Discovering that you have the same name as someone else might be a fun bit of trivia, but it is not so enjoyable when your namesake is famous or someone with a criminal record. In the case of the first one, you need to establish a strong enough online presence to cut through theirs. As for the second, it might lead to you not getting a job.


Use variations of your name like adding your middle initial, using your legal name, adding your full middle name, or including your mother’s maiden name in your CV. Be consistent and use this professional name in all your official online materials, including your LinkedIn account, the About Me portion of your website. Finally, remove outdated content from all your social media and online properties.


Remove anything that may be controversial


Use your common sense when it comes to engaging with online communities; if you feel uneasy discussing something with your parents, authority figures, or a spiritual leader, reconsider posting it. Anything that could be construed as inappropriate might be used against you online, and you would not even have the chance to defend yourself if a mob gathers around this information. Remove statements, images, and affiliations that do not reflect your professional self, and exercise caution when posting things in the future.


Direct people to your domain


An easy way to manage your image is by owning your name’s URL. You can purchase your name as a web domain for less than $10 a year, and you use that to build a professional website showcasing your skills and portfolio. If you are not ready to make this, you can redirect people to a personal landing page, your official social media account, or a blog that you want to show prospective employers.


Conclusion


Since hiring decisions come down to the wire, employers often turn to search engines when vetting potential employees. Defend your reputation by being proactive about what is online about you, and ensure that your skills and capabilities prove your worth.


Protect your brand and regain control of your reputation when you hire Content Removal. We help you remove unwanted search results with defamatory or abusive statements about you, including images, videos, and more. Get in touch with us for details.