In our tech-savvy world, it’s not always easy to manage your
image. We often use the internet, voice mail and other resources for personal
communications and forget that others can see or hear.
If you’re looking for a job, it’s especially important to
make sure you present yourself well. Check your public image by reviewing the
following things:
How does your voicemail message sound? Save that super
funny greeting for later use and replace it with a greeting that sounds mature
and professional. Speak clearly and keep the message simple – a greeting, your
name (optional), phone number and a brief statement about returning calls as
soon as possible.
Your email address shouldn’t raise any eyebrows either –
no mention of partying, sexual themes or potentially controversial words –
instead, just a simple variation on your name or occupation.
Hint: it’s very easy now to set up a free email address
to use just for job searching, and have it forward all messages to your regular
one so you don’t miss anything. Use this email address on your resume, job
applications and follow ups.
Do you use social networking sites, such as Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram? There are countless sites to which you may have
supplied information at some point, and many of them can be tracked back to
you. Many employers will do an online search to find background information on
job applicants. Make sure your privacy settings are set appropriately and take
steps to hide or remove information that you don’t want found. It’s always
safest to conduct yourself online as though you are in a public place!
