Today, hiring managers consider far more than a candidate’s resume when deciding whether to interview them for a position. In most cases, they also look the job seeker up online, perusing the candidate’s social media profiles, website, and more.
Even if your resume is on point, if your online presence falls short of a hiring manager’s expectations, your application may end up in the discard pile. That’s why keeping up with the times is so crucial, as it allows you to use your online presence to increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.
If you want to make sure you stand out from the crowd, here are some tips for managing your online presence that can help.
Get Online
If you don’t have any online presence that you personally manage, you aren’t in control of this narrative. When a hiring manager searches, one of two things may happen. First, they might find nothing, leaving them the supplemental information they are after. Second, they may find information from sources other than you, which may not be ideal if they don’t showcase you in the best light.
In most cases, candidates need to develop some level of an online presence. If you aren’t sure where to begin, LinkedIn is usually your best bet. It lets you create a career-oriented profile with ease, giving you a valuable resource for your job search.
Audit Your Social Media
If you’re already on social media, spend time reviewing every profile. Consider whether it contains the kind of information you’d like a hiring manager to see. If it doesn’t, delete the account (or questionable material) or make it private.
Once you’ve done that, make sure the information on your social media profiles aligns with each other and your resume. Inconsistencies can come back to haunt you, so make sure the profiles paint a cohesive picture.
When it comes to your LinkedIn profile, spend some time sprucing it up, too. Update your headline to showcase your expertise and the value you bring to the table. Highlight achievements that didn’t fit on your resume. Craft a narrative that showcases why you’re a great candidate for your target position type. That way, the content complements your application.
Launch a Personal Website
While a personal website may seem like an unnecessary step, it can work in your favor. It gives you a completely blank canvas, allowing you to cultivate your online presence to the degree available elsewhere.
Plus, you can optimize a personal website for SEO. By using the right keywords, you increase your odds of being found by hiring managers and recruiters, which may increase your access to opportunities.
Perform Quarterly Reviews
Once you refine your online presence, make quarterly reviews a priority. This allows you to keep the content current, ensuring you add new, relevant information regularly.
Plus, it decreases the odds that changes will look like a red flag to your current employer. In many cases, if a previously stagnate profile suddenly undergoes an overhaul, your employer may assume you’re about to launch a job search. However, if you consistently update the details, it will seem like part of your routine, decreasing the odds of a negative impact on your existing job.
Ultimately, maintaining a strong online presence is a smart move. But, if you’d like more tips about how you can take yours to the next level, the staff at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.
