Tips for building a professional online presence

Have you ever googled yourself? What comes up when you search for your name? Now, imagine if your future employer was the one googling you? Do you think this might help or hinder your employment or how they view you?

Building a strong online presence that reflects your personal brand can make a great first impression and put you ahead of other candidates. Here are some tips you can follow to showcase yourself in the best light!

Adjust your privacy settings on your social media accounts

Choose a professional looking photo and clean up your social media accounts. . Familiarize yourself with your privacy settings to limit what the public sees. Whatever things are available to the public, make them something you would feel comfortable with your future employers or professors knowing.

If you don’t have one yet, create a LinkedIn account, and make sure it stands out

LinkedIn is known as the key social media account for professional networking. Many recruiters use this tool to search for candidates. The platform is a great way to highlight your skills, show examples of projects you have worked on and tell employers about your employment history and education in a concise and simple format. Don’t forget to customize your headline, adding keywords that will help employers find you!

LinkedIn is also a great way to do some networking. Take the time to engage in conversations, and join groups. This will show that you are active and interested in learning more about your field of interest, and that you have something to say.

Create an online portfolio

If your field requires a portfolio, create a website where you can showcase some samples of work. Even if you don’t need to have one, showing off your work with an online portfolio is a great way to let employers know the quality of work they can expect from you.

Having everything ready to go will also show employers that you are organized and prepared. Here is a list of great portfolio website builders.

Watch out for your grammar

Spelling and grammar matter. Whatever you write online and in public posts on your social media accounts should be error-free. Watch for typos, use proper spelling and grammar, avoid slang, and use full sentences, especially in professional accounts. Grammarly is a free online tool you can use to double check that your online writing is ready to post.

Be mindful of any content you share as well. The kinds of content you share and what you have to say online all contribute to your personal brand and tell people about who you are.

Access AC’s resources and workshops

Algonquin College’s Employment Support Centre is here to provide career readiness support and resources to help students and graduates prepare for job and career success. Book an appointment, attend one of the many events they host and access their online resources. Here are some upcoming AC events to watch for:

Build Your LinkedIn Profile (International Students) – February 16, 10:30am-12:00pm ET

AC Career Week – February 28 – March 4 (registration opens Feb. 14)

Here are some other great resources you can check out to improve your online presence and personal brand:

LinkedIn Learning:

Review tips for setting up your LinkedIn profile right from the platform itself

Collections: Building an Online Presence, Developing Your Personal Brand

Haven’t signed up for LinkedIn Learning through AC yet? Click here to find out how to set up your account.

The Learning Portal: Personal Pitch, Digital Portfolios

We hope these tips you help you find great opportunities. Good look in your job search!