Want to build an epic career? Then you need to improve your digital footprint. Gone are the days when your resume told your whole professional story. In our digitally connected world, you must do more than produce an impressive resume. You must also build an impressive online profile. This article explores how to improve your digital footprint and build the career of your dreams.
What is a digital footprint?
You might have heard of the term “digital footprint” but be a little unsure as to what it actually means. A digital footprint is left behind by everything that you do online. That includes the comments you leave on social media platforms, the photos you post, the videos you record and upload and the subscriptions you sign up for.
Basically anything that you do online leaves a digital footprint behind.
Improving your digital footprint
There are a number of ways to improve your digital footprint. The first way is to perform a little virtual housekeeping to tidy up your current profile. For example, if you are active on Facebook, check back over to see what you have posted, the language you have used and the videos and photos you have posted.
Remove anything incriminating. And by that I mean inflammatory or inappropriate language. Pull down photos or videos that could be viewed negatively by anyone who doesn’t know you.
Review each of your social media accounts. Shut down any accounts you no longer use. Consider also using privacy settings and pseudonyms to place restrictions on who can see your content if you use specific social media accounts for personal use only.
Remember that prospective employers and clients could come across any of your social media accounts during the course of a recruitment campaign.
Related Reading: Why employers look at your social media accounts
Proactive ways to improve your digital footprint
Tidying up your social media accounts alone will not impress prospective employers and clients. To truly create a compelling impression you need to do more to improve your digital footprint.
Here are some examples to consider:
- Use platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with others in your sector. Consider following industry leaders as well to remain across siginificant issues, thinking and innovation in your sector
- Consider writing your own content. This could be in the form of blog posts, authoring articles for industry publications or producing infographics that contain unique insights or learnings for others
- Record your involvement in industry conferences, seminars, webinars and other events to demonstrate your commitment to growth and development
Each example above creates an online record of your activity in your sector. This improves your online visibility and expands your digital footprint.
When prospective employers, clients and employment decision makers look for you online, they will find you easily and like what they see.
Related Reading: Digital footprint – a Blueprint for success
Put your best digital foot forward
What are you going to do today to improve your digital footprint? Being proactive and curating key messages and information about yourself online is essential if you want to build a rewarding, challenging and fulfilling career.
Don’t get left behind in a digital world. Make a commitment to put your best digital foot forward every day and your career opportunities will grow.
Related Resources and Reading
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