You’re seeking a new job. How can you make sure your online presence is working for you?

1 Audit your online presence

The first step is to audit your online presence and see what potential employers might find when they search for your name. You can use a search engine, a privacy tool, or a reputation management service to scan your online footprint and identify any red flags, such as negative reviews, inappropriate posts, outdated information, or personal data. Then, you can delete, hide, or edit anything that might harm your image or contradict your resume. You can also set up alerts to monitor your online reputation and address any issues as they arise.

2 Update your profiles

The next step is to update your online profiles and make sure they reflect your current skills, achievements, and goals. You should have a consistent and professional profile picture, headline, summary, and contact information across all your platforms. You should also highlight your relevant experience, education, certifications, and awards, and use keywords that match your target industry and role. Additionally, you should customize your privacy settings and control who can see your posts, comments, and tags.

3 Showcase your work

The third step is to showcase your work and demonstrate your value to potential employers. You can use your online presence to display your portfolio, samples, testimonials, or case studies that showcase your skills, creativity, and results. You can also create a personal website, blog, or podcast that showcases your expertise, insights, and opinions on topics related to your field. Moreover, you can use your online presence to share your achievements, awards, publications, or media appearances that boost your credibility and visibility.

4 Engage with your network

The fourth step is to engage with your network and build relationships with people who can help you advance your career. You can use your online presence to connect with former colleagues, mentors, influencers, or recruiters in your target industry and role. You can also join relevant groups, forums, or communities where you can participate in discussions, ask questions, offer advice, or share resources. Furthermore, you can use your online presence to request recommendations, referrals, or introductions that can open new opportunities for you.

5 Learn and grow

The fifth step is to learn and grow from your online presence and use it as a source of feedback, inspiration, and improvement. You can use your online presence to seek feedback from your network, clients, or mentors on your work, skills, or goals. You can also use your online presence to follow industry trends, news, and best practices that can help you stay updated and relevant. Additionally, you can use your online presence to access online courses, webinars, podcasts, or books that can help you develop new skills, knowledge, or perspectives.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?