Control Your Online Image

Have you Googled your own name? If an employer pulled up your MySpace or Facebook page, do you make a good electronic impression? More and more, recruiters check networking sites to get to know potential employees. While these sites are great places to connect with friends, remember to keep personal or embarrassing information private. If your page is public, be sure to remove any unflattering photos, profanity, lewd photos or anything that sounds unethical.

To control your online image, create a Web site to highlight what you want others - including potential employers - to know about you. This is the place to let your personality shine through! Focus on your strengths, experiences, passions and interests. Describe your volunteer work and what you gained from giving back to the community. Include pictures of yourself doing something that relates to your positive experiences. Ensure you have an appropriate screen name and e-mail address - Hotchik101 does not impress employers!