In today’s digital age, platforms like Google, Facebook, and MySpace have transformed into more than just social networks; they have become essential tools for personal branding and professional networking. As we navigate this landscape, it’s crucial to understand how our online presence can shape perceptions and opportunities.
The Digital Shadow
While speaking at a recent event, I emphasized how the culture of any company or brand is as strong as the individual personification of it. Your actions and words online are extensions of how people interpret, perceive, and react to the brand you represent. Concurrently, you also represent your personal brand—the digital identity established through the collection of digital shadows you cast across the social web.
Everything we share online is indexed on the web for years to come. When we tweet, upload videos and pictures, post on blogs, and update our status on social networks, we create a digital shadow that mirrors our real-life activities and convictions. This digital footprint is reassembled through the search pursuits of others—whether they are prospective employers, collaborators, or influencers.
The Rise of Social Media in Hiring
A recent study by CareerBuilder revealed that 70% of employers now use social media to screen candidates. This is a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the growing importance of a positive online presence.
- 38% of hiring managers admitted to searching social networks for information about prospective employees.
- 24% of those surveyed said that social media influenced their hiring decisions, while 34% dismissed candidates based on what they found.
This trend has been years in the making. In 2006, a survey by ExecuNet found that 77% of recruiters used search engines to gather background data on candidates, with 35% eliminating candidates based on their online presence.
Real-World Consequences
The consequences of our online behavior can be severe. For instance, a 16-year-old named Kimberley Swann was fired after posting negative comments about her job on Facebook. Similarly, employees at British Airways faced repercussions for derogatory comments about passengers.
The infamous “Cisco Fatty” incident serves as a cautionary tale. A job candidate tweeted about her job offer from Cisco, expressing her disdain for the work. The response from a Cisco employee went viral, leading to a public relations challenge for the company.
These examples illustrate that our digital actions can have real-world consequences, affecting not only job prospects but also current employment.
Crafting Your Digital Resume
In this environment, it’s essential to take control of your digital shadow. Deleting your profiles is not the answer; instead, focus on curating your online presence. Here are some strategies:
- Audit Your Online Presence: Regularly search your name to see what comes up. This will help you understand how you are perceived online.
- Update Privacy Settings: Use the privacy controls available on social networks to manage who sees your content.
- Share Positive Content: Use your profiles to showcase your accomplishments, strengths, and talents. This can help reinforce your personal brand.
- Engage Thoughtfully: Think about what you share and why. Ensure that your online activity aligns with your professional goals.
The Future of Online Identity
As we move forward, the practice of investigating individuals online will only increase. A report from Kaplan Test Prep indicated that 1 in 10 colleges and universities explore social networks when considering applicants for admission.
The reality is that the search experience related to you is defined by you. Acceptance of this reality is the first step toward crafting a more strategic and effective representation of who you are online.
Parents should also take an active role in guiding their children’s online behavior. Start monitoring their online presence early and help them create content that reflects their identity now and in the future.
Conclusion
What does your profile or search results say about you? In a world where social media has become the new resume, it’s essential to be mindful of your digital footprint.