Tony McChrystal, the Director of ReputationDefender EMEA, leads the Europe, Middle East, and Africa division of the renowned global online reputation management company. In this article, we delve into the subject of online reputation and explore how the content published online can significantly impact an individual’s career prospects.
Online reputation management, also known as ORM, empowers individuals and businesses to take control of the online conversations surrounding them. An individual’s online reputation shapes how others perceive them in online searches. It is essential to proactively manage one’s online reputation, promoting balance and countering misleading information to create a favourable impression.
ORM revolves around two distinct cycles: a vicious cycle, where individuals neglect their online reputation and risk falling victim to rumours and misinformation, and a virtuous cycle, where they actively nurture their online reputation by creating positive content.
Whether someone is a recent graduate starting their career journey or a seasoned professional aspiring to advance, the lack of positive Google search results can significantly impact job opportunities. As individuals climb the corporate ladder, prospective employers increasingly scrutinise their online reputation portfolios, with recruiters now scouring social media to evaluate potential candidates. Consequently, a lack of information about a candidate may raise questions about their credibility and overall employability.
Both graduates and professionals must pay close attention to their online reputation. According to a study published by CareerBuilder, 69% of employers admit to Googling job candidates during the screening process. Social media content, including posts, pictures, and comments, can have a profound impact on an individual’s employability. The same study reveals that 54% of employers have rejected candidates based on their social media content. This issue is particularly significant for job seekers aged 16 to 34, with 10% missing out on job opportunities due to their social media activity.
The internet has become the primary source of information today, and people often trust what they find online when making important decisions. Research from Edelman Insights shows that two out of three people consider the internet the most reliable source of information about a person. When considering local businesses, 97% of people check online reviews, according to BIA Kelsey. These statistics highlight the potential impact of negative online content on individuals and businesses.
For job seekers, maintaining an active presence on social media can be a valuable asset, providing a platform to showcase enthusiasm and expertise in their chosen field. However, it is crucial to assess whether all the content reflects positively on them, as a casual comment made years ago or erroneously linked content could have devastating effects on their professional life.
To assess your digital footprint, it is essential to log out of your browser to ensure search results are not influenced by your browsing history. Googling yourself with added specifics, such as occupation or city, can help narrow down the results to the most relevant content.
Most people do not look beyond the first page of Google search results. However, if negative material appears on the first page, it can significantly impact a candidate’s job prospects. Content that may harm their chances of being hired includes evidence of criminal behaviour, suggestions of substance abuse, discriminatory statements, confidential information about previous employers, provocative images or videos, and critical comments about former employers or colleagues.
For professionals aiming to advance their careers, taking a proactive approach to ORM is essential in ensuring that their online reputation becomes an asset rather than a liability. Prudent steps include adjusting privacy settings, actively building a positive online presence, addressing inaccuracies, and taking measures to remove negative content.
Whether just starting out or already employed, professionals must exercise caution before posting any content on social media, as the impact can be significant and long-lasting.
Even after joining a company, employees should remain mindful that they may still face scrutiny, as over half of employers admit to monitoring their employees’ social media posts. Googling oneself may seem self-indulgent, but for individuals looking to advance their careers, it is a crucial first step in understanding their digital footprint and safeguarding their professional reputation.
