Have You ‘Googled’ Yourself Lately?

Whether you’re in the middle of a job search or hoping for a promotion with your current company, how you represent yourself online is important and it plays a big part in your career success. Most HR managers and executives will check your social media pages before moving too far into the hiring process. Are you using good judgment when it comes to content that you’re ‘liking’ or posting? What do your profile photos look like? Are they professional? There’s no better time than now to do a little bit of social media ‘spring cleaning’ if you recall any questionable or inappropriate material. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Revealing too much
There is such a thing as oversharing on social media. We all have that friend who posts revealing photos, posts a public rant, or shows off tattoos and inappropriate body piercings. Don’t be that person. Before you post a photo, think: “would I want my boss and my grandmother to see this?” Revealing too much of yourself shows a lack of judgment and it can tell employers that you may have trouble acting with discretion or dressing appropriately at work. If you think your profile is blocked from public view, it’s smart to double check from a different computer. Security settings are modified all the time, so what you thought was private may have changed.

Extreme political views
What an appropriate time to mention this. We know people are passionate about certain issues and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, posting extreme political views can potentially alienate 50% of the population and your future boss and colleagues may be included in that percentage. If you’re in the job market, it’s not the best time to be extremely vocal about your political views.

Swearing
It’s not polite to swear in general and when you’re in the job market, it’s especially important to be even-tempered and respectful of others. Whether meant in a joking manner or not, you just don’t know who might read your tweet, Instagram, or Facebook post. Keep your language friendly and professional.

Liking inappropriate or controversial posts
Guilty by association. Liking inappropriate or controversial posts made by others can cause you trouble too, so watch what you like (and share) online. If you have a friend who tends to tag you in surprise photos, check your settings and add the feature that requires your approval before posting a photo with you in it.

We’re often asked about setting up second or "fake" accounts for professional use so you can add your work colleagues to a page that doesn’t reveal too much personal information. The problem is that even though they may not be able to access every one of your photos, the revealing information is still out there on the internet—and what kind of message is that sending? It tells employers that there are two sides to you and they may wonder which version they’ll get in the office. We always recommend keeping one profile. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be appropriately real.