With the majority of all job recruitment happening virtually, your digital self-representation is more important than ever. Try Googling yourself, what do you see? Does it feel like you? If not, there are many ways to clean up your digital self. Here are a few ways to get started...
Your Brand
Who are you? How do you want to be perceived? Think of Starbucks or Disney. What are those brands selling? Is it coffee and amusement parks or community and magic? Branding is about selling an experience, not a product. Now think of your brand; then put yourself in the shoes of recruiters who scan through hundreds of Linkedin profiles daily. Personalizing your digital touchpoints will help you stand out. Being generic will not.
Your Visual Identity
Your online presence should be centered around visual assets. Your photos and videos are often the first things people look at. Images are a powerful tool if you use them the right way. Here are a few tips on how to present your visual identity online:
- Not all of your social media needs to be open to the public, but what you do share should show us who you are and what you’re into.
- Eliminate meaningless content, or save it for your stories. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t care to see a close-up of the artisan pizza you just ate—unless of course, pizza is part of your brand.
- Present your candid moments, you'll come off more relatable. Too many selfies can make you seem self-centered. Have your friends take photos of you while you're doing something you love.
- Use colorful backgrounds. Take profile pictures on clean and colorful walls to stand out.
Once you're comfortable with your visual identity and personal brand, it’s just about being relentless. Landing a gig is a marathon, not a sprint. If you haven’t received an email or call back yet, don’t be afraid to keep following up until you get a concrete answer.
Ready? Set. Go.
