By Susan P. Joyce
Have you Googled yourself recently? If you don't do it regularly, you should!
According to a Microsoft reputation study, 70% of recruiters in the USA have rejected an
applicant because of what they found online. The names were the same, and that was enough “proof.”
However, only 30% of job seekers worry about their online reputations. BIG MISTAKE
NOTE: Being completely invisible online is NOT a good option! Being "missing in action" online is often a red flag for
recruiters and employers who view such invisibility as a sign that you don't know how the online world works today OR you have something to hide. Both impressions are bad for you.
You must know who and what is found when your name is Googled (or Binged, etc.)
The actions of someone else
– who has the same name you have – could be sabotaging your job search.
Recruiters who Google the name you put on their application or in your resume will be unaware that the “bad” person Google showed them is not you. Result: opportunity lost! Perhaps, many opportunities…
Mistaken Online
Identity Is a Major Issue – Defensive Googling Is the Solution
Since the best defense is a good offense, find out what is available online related to your name. If you don’t know about it, you won’t be able to address it. When you do know about it, you can differentiate yourself from the individual(s) with the problem.
You need to
use one version of your name consistently for your job search and career. I call that your computer "screen name," and it is one of the most important keywords for your job search.
