A recent article on Schools.com discussed the importance of being aware of your online identity, especially in an age where everyone from graduate school admissions officers to prospective employers can easily access information you may have intentionally excluded from the application.
With the click of a mouse, a simple Google search can produce photos, blog posts, tweets and other seemingly personal information that you’d rather leave out of the interview. Schools.com offered a few tips on how to maintain good face when it comes to your internet persona.
For starters, get into the habit of performing a Google search on yourself every month. It might sound a bit egotistical at first glance, but it’s the best way to know what information is circulating on the web. If there are photos or comments you’d like removed, contact the web site administrator immediately and ask for them to be taken down.
As tempting as it might be to post those photos from the party Friday night, think twice before uploading. How would you feel if your grandmother or professor caught a glimpse? Now imagine having some of your Facebook photos printed, lying infront of you at a job interview. If the thought of that makes you squirm, you may want to re-think your posting habits.
But it’s not all defense when it comes to crafting your online identity. The beauty of online publishing is the ease (and price tag) associated with building your online rep. Get proactive and start branding yourself with positive content. The more positive information available online, the more difficult it becomes to find the negative stuff.
Check out additional information on how to beef up your security settings on some of your favorite social networks and take ownership of your Digital Tattoo.
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