Managing your professional image is not just a good practice—it’s essential. Your online presence serves as your virtual introduction to the world. Potential employers, clients, and collaborators will likely “Google” you before making decisions. Reviewing and refining your professional profiles is a proactive way to shape the narrative and ensure you present your best self. Here are some key steps:
Google Yourself: See What Others Will See
Perform a quick Google search of your name to understand how you appear to others online. This gives you a glimpse into what potential employers or clients might find when they search for you. Examine the search results and make note of any information that might be outdated, inaccurate, or irrelevant to your professional identity. Addressing and curating this content can help you control the first impression you make.
LinkedIn: Your Digital Business Card
LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professionals to showcase their expertise and network. Review your LinkedIn profile thoroughly, ensuring it accurately reflects your skills, experiences, and achievements. It should mirror the content on your resume but with a more personal touch. A compelling headline, a well-crafted summary, and endorsements can add depth to your profile and attract attention.
Consistency is Key
Your LinkedIn profile and resume should be consistent. They’re like two sides of the same coin. Ensure your work history, education, and accomplishments align across both platforms. Consistency demonstrates attention to detail and instills confidence in those viewing your profiles.
Print and Review Your Resume
Printing your resume might seem old-fashioned, but it’s an effective technique. Seeing your information on paper often highlights formatting issues, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing that might have been overlooked on a computer screen. Mark up your printed resume with corrections and improvements to create a polished final version.
Get a Fresh Perspective
After you’ve reviewed your profiles and documents, invite a friend or relative to do the same. Sometimes, we become blind to our own mistakes or oversights. An outsider’s perspective can reveal issues that you might have missed. Their feedback can be invaluable in making your profiles more polished and professional.