I first heard of Brand-Yourself.com when I saw their booth at a local Internship fair at Syracuse University. When they told me that potential employers were searching me online whenever I applied for a Job, I started to get real worried about this upcoming break when I would be applying for extremely competitive summer internships with larger companies. I realized that it’s really easy to go out, have an unflattering photo posted of me online, and by the time I see it, I’ve already been turned down for the interview.
D0 You Pass the Google Pre-Screen?
I decided that the best way to find out what potential employers could find out about me was to do some research on myself. I figured that if I know what they’ll find and find it first, I’d be able to take the necessary steps to prevent my online image from being tarnished. So I typed my name into Google expecting to be bombarded with photos, videos, and articles mentioning me, in both positive and negative lights. What I uncovered was far worse than any drunken or indecent photo of myself. I found nothing at all. My Facebook wasn’t even on the first page of results!
It was as if I didn’t even exist. I realized that I had far worse to worry about than being found holding a red cup. If I couldn’t even find myself online, how would potential employers find me? And when they find nothing, what would their reaction be? I’d just be another name on a piece of paper.
Opportunity was knocking and all I had to do was answer the call. I had the perfect chance to build up an online presence that would not only make me easy to find, but would portray me in a positive and professional fashion.
Give to Receive
I became conscious of the fact that I’ve been using the Internet really one-sidedly, always taking information from others but never contributing my own to the billions that are online. It’s not even that hard to contribute to the online community, especially considering there are millions of blogs on thousands of topics. All I had to do was find something that interests me and start typing away. Most social media and blog sites allow you to sign up for free, all I have to do is put my own thought and ideas out there.
Needless to say I’m still working towards building my online image and getting my voice out there. I’ve been amazed, however, by the amount of great connections I’ve made in a short period of time but like all good things, it takes time, patience, and determination before you reach your end goal.
