Optimizing Your Online Presence for Future Employers
Your online presence is often the first impression potential employers will have of you. According to Monster.com, 77% of employers will do an online search of a candidate before meeting them. The reality is that recruitment agencies and future employers do their due diligence on all potential candidates, especially those who work in private homes. We’ve put together our list of the top tips to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward online.
Google Yourself
We recommend googling yourself often – log out of all profiles then search your name, your phone number, any previous names etc. This will give you a sense of what employers can and cannot see and is a good way to find out if there are old or unused profiles you may have forgotten about. Don’t forget to click on ‘Images’ and ‘Videos’ and scan through those results for any relevant content. Even things like old Google reviews you have left with profanity or other information may hurt your chances with an employer so be thorough in this search. Be sure to do this often as privacy settings change frequently and others may ‘tag’ or share content you aren’t aware of.
Take the Time to Understand Privacy Settings
Sit down and review the privacy settings on every online platform you use. This includes, but isn’t limited to, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as professional sites like LinkedIn. Double check your settings and make sure your personal content is private.
Choose Your Profile Photo Wisely
Even with privacy settings on, most platforms will show the public your main photo. You don’t necessarily need a photo by a paid professional but it should be a good quality photo with your face clearly visible. A simple headshot style photo will do or a photo of you doing what you do best! Chefs may choose a photo in their uniform in the kitchen while a chauffeur may pose outside his vehicle (of course, make sure no personal information, like license plates, is visible!). For nannies, we actually recommend avoiding photos with the visible face of any child – it’s better to use a solo photo or perhaps one of you holding a baby, with the child facing away from the camera.
Be Thoughtful about Posts
It’s best to present a professional, positive image online. To accomplish this, you’ll need to be diligent and careful. Think twice before posting photos or sharing content from third parties. Remember that not everyone shares the same beliefs and that a post you might find funny, a potential employer might find offensive. When you do post public content, be sure to proofread and fact-check it, and make sure anything you share is thoughtful, clear, and an opinion you can stand behind long-term. We recommend steering clear of any content related to controversial views, alcohol, drugs, sensitive material, or profanity.
Be Consistent
Double check all the information across your platforms is accurate and consistent. Graduation dates, names of universities, past employer information and dates, cities lived in etc. should be up to date and consistent across all platforms. Inconsistencies and mistakes can make you look careless, or worse, like you’re being dishonest.
Delete Old Profiles
You may have old profiles set up on nanny sites or on older social media sites, such as Myspace. We recommend doing your best to have these removed or deactivated if they no longer accurately represent who you are. For example, it won’t help if employers can see an old nanny profile where you’ve listed a much lower hourly rate than you’re currently asking for.
Be Prepared
If you do have an active and visible online presence or something you cannot remove, be prepared to respond to questions about it during an interview. If there is something posted that you cannot have taken down for any reason, be honest and upfront about the circumstances surrounding it, and then move on.
More Resources
Blog Posts
Top Tips for Preparing for Interviews
Tips for Success During the Trial Phase
What Should Be Included in my Contract?
Common Reasons Candidates Are Not Selected
Tips for Success: Working with an Agency
Resume Guidelines
Sample Resumes
Sample Nanny Resume
Sample Housekeeper Resume
Sample Newborn Care Specialist Resume
Sample Estate Manager Resume
For those interested in applying, you can sort through our job board by keyword, category, position type and/or location. Select the job you’re interested in and apply through that page. Note: Your resume will still be considered for other positions that we have. Contact us if you have any questions.