How to survive being Googled by potential employers

Posted on Tuesday, July 26th, 2016

Almost all employers will google potential applicants before an interview

Almost all employers will Google potential applicants before an interview

It is not a surprise that employers look at your “digital footprint” before inviting you for an interview. It is their way to make sure that everything you said on your resume about yourself aligns with your public image. Employers invest in you when they invite you for an interview and they want to make sure that they are inviting the right candidate. Here are a few steps you can take to survive being Googled by potential employers:

Google yourself!

By Googling yourself you will be able to see what employers see. When you see your Google search results think like a professional, ask yourself, “Would I hire myself?”. Don’t forget to log out from different accounts on your browser with cache and search history cleared. This will give you a look at what the average person will see when they Google your name.

Make sure there are no unprofessional posts or pictures publically available. But if Google does not show much information about you, it might not be good news either. It could make employers feel like you are hiding something.

Add professional information

If there is not a lot of professional information publically available about you, then you have to create it. By doing this you will give Google’s algorithm new and relevant content about you. You can start by creating an account on LinkedIn and Twitter. Add information that highlights your education and specific skills you have learned related to your industry.

You can also use WordPress to create an online portfolio or to write blogs which will let your employers know more about you and your work.

Google someone you know in your industry and see what their professional profile looks like. It will give you a better insight into your own professional public image. Spruce of your profile with a good-looking professional photo, recent achievements, and updating your contact information.

Remove unprofessional information

Some social media posts or pictures might not be professionally relevant or may even be harmful to your image. Start by removing any posts that you have made that you no longer want available. If your friends have posted something unprofessional about you, you can message them and simply ask them to remove the post.

Keep your best foot forward

Now that you have made a professional Google search profile by cleaning up unprofessional information, and adding information, you have to make sure that your Google professional profile is maintained in the future. In the future don’t publically post something online which can be used against you in a professional arena. Keep in mind that the internet is a big place with a long memory.


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