It’s no secret that we’re living in a digital age. As a result, having a strong and well-organised online footprint is becoming increasingly important, no matter your industry. However, in some sectors, it’s an absolute necessity; if you’re planning to pursue a career in social media, for example, having a strong presence on various social media platforms is going to be key in communicating to potential employers that you’re proficient in using these tools.
What is a digital footprint?
Your digital footprint is everything that exists about you online as a result of your activity on the internet.
When it comes to curating your digital footprint and interacting with potential employers in the online sphere, there are few general rules that are important to keep in mind – this is because protecting your digital reputation is incredibly important. Think carefully about the content you’re posting and how it could be perceived, always interact with people respectfully, and pay close attention to photos you are tagged in and delete any content that could be offensive. You’ll also want to ensure that your email address is as professional as possible and that you use proper email etiquette when interacting with potential employers. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with these basic principles, you’ll be ready to refine your online presence to boost your chances of employment.
If you’re wondering how to create a positive digital footprint, let’s take a look at how you can use the following online platforms to curate your online persona and land a job.
With users in over 200 countries all over the world, LinkedIn is the top professional social networking website in the world. It should come as no surprise then that most recruiters are embracing this valuable tool; one survey found that roughly 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn as part of their hiring process. The main takeaway? Recruiters are on LinkedIn, so you should be too!
There are several hacks you can use to improve your LinkedIn profile and boost your chances of landing a job. One of the most essential is regularly updating your profile. Not only does this provide recruiters with an accurate, up-to-date summary of your professional experience and skills, but it also increases your chances of gaining profile views. Research has found that LinkedIn users with professional headshots and up-to-date skills are more likely to get profile views from potential employers. So, if you want to get noticed, make sure you’re regularly updating your profile.
Twitter is one of the most powerful social media tools available at your fingertips; with just a few clicks, you can follow and even send direct communication to some of the most powerful and influential figures in your industry. Nearly every business leader and organisation has its own public Twitter account, which they use to promote what they’re working on, upcoming events they’re participating in and their point of view on current issues. This is excellent insight to have on someone you’re hoping to work for; in seeing what’s important to these leaders, you can align your own priorities with theirs and mention these in your interactions with them.
You can also use Twitter to showcase some of your most significant professional achievements for recruiters to see. Whether it’s an award you’ve won for your work, a certification you’ve recently completed or content you’ve had published, don’t shy away from posting about these accomplishments on your profile. Doing so can help you attract attention from employers who may have overlooked you otherwise.
As a social networking site, Facebook is incredibly useful for doing exactly that: networking. Given that Facebook is the most used social media platform with 2.45 billion monthly users worldwide, it’s extremely likely that any organisation or recruiter you want to work for is on the site.
When it comes to professional networking, many people opt to connect on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, which means that companies and industry leaders can have dozens of direct messages to sift through. It’s less common, however, for people to receive professional networking inquiries on Facebook, so consider giving that a try. Not only will recruiters be more likely to see your message, but you’ll stand out to them for taking a unique networking approach.
You can also join Facebook groups to get your name out there and familiarise yourself with different topics, industries, and trends. For example, if you’re interested in marketing, you can join groups like Digital Marketers Australia or Digital Marketing Tips & Jobs where you can learn more about valuable industry resources, start discussions and interact with like-minded peers.
Digital CVs, online portfolios and blogs
A digital CV is extremely important for every young professional to have because it allows you to easily apply for jobs online and shows employers that you have the practical skill of technological savviness. There are many ways to set up your digital CV, including LinkedIn, online resume builders, and your own website.
An online portfolio is another excellent tool to grow your digital footprint because it acts as a one-stop-shop recruiters can visit to learn more about your brand, your experience, and the content you’ve created (i.e. articles you’ve written, photographs you’ve taken, presentations you’ve prepared). An online portfolio increases your digital visibility and allows employers to see that you’re capable of creating, organising and updating online content, which makes a fantastic first impression.
It may also be worthwhile to create your own blog to present yourself as a thought leader. A thought leader is someone who uses their industry expertise to offer guidance and influence. Thought leadership is especially important in business-based fields like marketing and sales. In having your own blog, you can share your experience and insights to show how knowledgeable you are on relevant industry trends.
