How Job Seekers Can Boost Their Online Reputations

Recruiters are turning to the Internet to look for talent with exactly the right set of skills. This means that in order for you to show up on a recruiter’s radar, you’ll need to proactively manage what you put online.

You already know your LinkedIn profile is important, but that’s not the only place you should have a digital presence. According to CareerBuilder’s 2015 Social Media Recruitment Survey, 51 percent of hiring managers research candidates using search engines, and 52 percent report using social networking sites to research candidates.

If you work within certain industries, these research methods are more common. Information technology, financial services, sales and professional and business services professionals should expect recruiters to look at them online.

Here are few ways you can create a better online reputation and lure your next employer:

Show tenure and experience.

Without a doubt, hiring managers want to know you have the experience to do the job. LinkedIn is the obvious place to share your previous work experience, but don’t stop there. Own your digital presence by listing your work history online, preferably on your personal website, and provide a downloadable version as well.

Show personality.

Don’t overlook the power of personality. You’re more likely to land an interview and ultimately a job if you look like you’ll fit on the team. Hiring managers also look for someone who will be easy to manage.

Your personality comes through in everything you say and write, so be purposeful. Your LinkedIn summary is the perfect place to express yourself. Include why you’ve chosen your field and what motivates you to do your best work. When you add status updates to your social networks, inject some of your own thoughts when sharing an article. Video is another opportunity to show people the best of your professional self. Add a one-minute video to your online portfolio, and upload it to YouTube as well.

Share reviews and positive recommendations.

Social proof has increasingly become an important factor for decision-making among consumers and hiring managers. It is often said that your personal brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.

An overlooked LinkedIn feature is Recommendations, which allows you to host written recommendations from colleagues and managers on your profile. You can also capture testimonials from customers or clients and embed this information on LinkedIn and your personal website.

Show communication skills.

Many employers say that communication skills are the most important and yet hardest to find skills. Prove you have strong written communication skills by developing a strong LinkedIn profile. Also include samples of your written work.