Tony McChrystal, the Director of ReputationDefender EMEA, leads the Europe, Middle East, and Africa division of a global online reputation management company. In this article, we will explore the significance of online reputation and how the content published online can influence an individual’s career prospects.
Online reputation management, often referred to as ORM, empowers individuals and businesses to take control of the online conversations surrounding them. An online reputation affects how others perceive an individual when searching for them online. Every individual and business possesses an online reputation, and it is crucial to proactively manage it by promoting balance and countering misleading information to create a positive impression.
ORM consists of two cycles: a vicious cycle where individuals neglect their online reputation and risk falling victim to rumors and misinformation, and a virtuous cycle where they actively manage their online reputation by creating positive content.
Whether a person is a recent graduate starting their career or a high-achieving professional aiming for advancement, the absence of positive search results on Google can significantly impact their job opportunities. When climbing the corporate ladder, prospective employers scrutinise an individual’s online reputation, with recruiters increasingly examining social media to evaluate potential candidates. It is understandable that a lack of information about a candidate can raise questions about their credibility and affect their employability.
Both graduates and professionals need to pay close attention to their online reputation. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 69% of employers admit to Googling job candidates during the screening process. Posts, pictures, and comments can all have a substantial impact on an individual’s employability. The same study reveals that 54% of employers have rejected a candidate based on their social media content. This issue is particularly serious for job seekers aged 16 to 34, with 10% missing out on job opportunities due to their social media activity.
In today’s information age, the internet is a primary source of information, and people tend to trust what they find online when making important decisions. Research from Edelman Insights indicates that two out of three people consider the internet as the most reliable source of information about an individual. When considering local businesses, 97% of people check online reviews, as reported by BIA Kelsey. These statistics underscore the potential impact that negative online content can have on individuals and businesses.
For job seekers, an active presence on social media can be a valuable asset to showcase enthusiasm and expertise in their chosen field. However, it is crucial to assess whether all content presents them in a positive light. A seemingly innocuous comment made years ago or content mistakenly linked to them could have detrimental effects on their professional life.
To evaluate their digital footprint, individuals should log out of their browser to ensure that search results are not influenced by their search history. When Googling oneself, adding an occupation or city can narrow down results and provide the most relevant content.
Most people do not look beyond the first page of Google search results. Nevertheless, if negative material appears there, it can significantly impact a candidate’s job prospects. Content that can diminish their chances of being hired includes evidence of criminal behavior, substance abuse, discriminatory statements, disclosure of confidential information about previous employers, provocative images or videos, and critical comments about former employers or colleagues.
For professionals aiming to advance their careers, proactive ORM is crucial to ensure that their online reputation becomes an asset rather than a liability. Taking control of their digital footprint involves adjusting privacy settings, actively building a positive online presence, addressing inaccuracies, and taking measures to remove negative content.
Whether individuals are starting their career or already employed, they should remember that they are subject to scrutiny. More than half of employers admit to monitoring the social media posts of their employees. While Googling oneself may seem self-indulgent, it is a critical first step in understanding one’s digital footprint and safeguarding their professional reputation.
