Your Digital Presence

CORE CONTENT | 3.1 min read

Controlling your digital presence goes beyond just not being a jerk online. We’re talking about strategically crafting an image that opens doors and solidifies your personal brand. It's the virtual representation of your professional persona, extended through social media, press appearances, and other digital platforms.

Social Media

Reviewing an applicant’s social media presence may as well be considered part of the standard background check. It’s not unheard of for businesses to pass on the supposed perfect candidate because of an insensitive post that person made online. Understand that if your name and likeness are associated online with behaviors or speech a hiring manager would deem unprofessional, brand-unsafe, or offensive, you are less likely to win that position. That said, if used well, social platforms become arenas where personal narratives are built and broadcasted. They are stages for your professional journey, achievements, and aspirations. They facilitate exposure and networking. And, unlike cover letters, resumes, CVs, and even portfolios, personality is king on social media.

Active Engagement & Networking

The digital world provides ample avenues for building connections. It’s even possible to network without creating a single original post. You can engage through thoughtful comments, sharing or reposting relevant content, and participating in online discussions. The internet thrives on these types of interaction. Moreover, this active involvement can open doors to new collaborations, mentorships, and unforeseen career opportunities. We’re all more likely to share opportunities with those we know and connect to.

Balancing Personal with Professional

Especially when looking at career-focused social networking platforms, the line between the personal and professional worlds is a bit blurry. Rest assured, you can have regular social media accounts outside of that. Chances are your photo wall won’t be scrutinized with the intensity of a brand management consultant. Generally speaking, posting old yearbook photos, Grand Canyon selfies, and wing nights with the boys to your personal profiles isn’t going to hurt anything. If anything, it may humanize you, putting a face (and a smile) to the name.

Of course, maintaining a balance is vital. Share the aspects of your personality and interests that complement your professional image. Be cautious about oversharing or posting content that could be perceived as excessively unprofessional. Your future employer probably shouldn’t see you “pranking” unsuspecting grocery clerks. This balancing act is not about masking your personality but strategically presenting it to bolster your professional narrative instead of taking away from it.

Remember: You can always put your accounts on private.

Leveraging Press and Publications

Additionally, being featured in press releases, articles, or industry publications significantly boosts your professional image. Such appearances provide third-party validation of your expertise and achievements. If this interests you, actively seek opportunities to learn from or contribute to industry conversations—for example, conferences, webinars, or local workshops. Bigger opportunities will be less common earlier in your career, but if you consistently create value in your space, interviews, guest articles, and speaking engagements may be just around the corner.

Oh, and try to avoid headlines like “Local Terrorizes Community” and stuff like that. In the world of HR, all publicity is NOT good publicity.

Monitoring & Management

The internet is an incredible beast. Attention is coming from all sides, and information spreads like wildfire. Stay vigilant! Even if you aren’t job hunting, regularly auditing your online presence, managing privacy settings, and being aware of your digital footprint are essential practices. Be mindful of the content you're tagged in. Be aware of older posts you’ve made that you may no longer stand by. The internet has a long memory, and a proactive approach to managing your online reputation is key to safeguarding your professional (and personal!) image.

Continual Learning and Adaptation

The digital world is in constant flux, and so should be your strategy in navigating it. Keeping abreast of emerging trends, adapting your online presence to reflect these changes, and continually learning new ways to enhance your digital image are integral to staying relevant and employable. Remember that your online image is not just a reflection of who you are but also a projection of the person you aspire to be. If you choose to, embrace the digital sphere and let it guide you to new opportunities and successes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS | 0.4 min read

• Whether or not you get a job extends beyond your submitted application all the way to the entirety of your online presence.
• You can build and curate your digital footprint via networking platforms, social media, and press appearances.
• Though it is absolutely fine to show a more personality-full or casual side of yourself on social media, publically expressing or supporting sentiments that are deemed inappropriate, harmful, excessively unprofessional, etc., can hurt your chances at being employeed.

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