NETREP
What is your net rep and why does it matter?
“Netrep” is your internet reputation and is increasingly looked at by potential employers when deciding if you are a suitable employee.
What makes our netrep?
Anything about you on the internet that can be seen by others makes up your internet reputation. This can be form a variety of activities be it a networking site, a blog, a twitter or even a comment posted about the service you received.
In the ever more important world of Web 2.0 an increasing number of people use the internet for networking and communicating, be it social or business related. This is where the issue lies! Our social persona can often be different to how we are at work. Previously separating the two was relatively simple, but with social networking on the World Wide Web this can be increasingly difficult.
What does your netrep say about you?
On a social networking site such as facebook where we feel we are talking to friends often we include pictures of that great night out or gossip about our day at work.
On a business network such as linkedin however where we want to demonstrate professional qualities we have a respectful portrait style picture and comment on political issues or business initiatives.
These will both portray a very different impression, but are possible equally as accessible when a potential employer, business partner or client googles us.
According to a recent research report, by the business social network Viadeo, it shows a growing number of UK employers make judgements on this very information. The survey found that 1 in 5 employers found personal information on the internet about candidates and 59% said it influenced their recruitment decisions. A quarter of HR decision makers have even rejected applicants as a result of dubious personal information found on line. So think before you rant to friends about the place you work and the people have been promoted over you, is it not just the heat of the moment that needs venting privately? Also would you have that photo of you once you’ve had one too many on holiday on your business card?
The benefits of networking
This is not to say networking is all bad. It allows us to keep in touch with more people and to be introduced to new contact. We have probably all heard the old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” so internet networking can be the most effective way of increasing those peoples you do know. Therefore the important thing is that our netrep shows us in a good light and is positive.
You never know what your friends, friends do or even friends, friends, friends do. They may possible be that elusive employer with your dream job and be looking at your site. Therefore be sure they are looking at something that shows you would make a good employee.
How to protect your reputation
- On social networks employ the strictest privacy settings and set the highest levels of security to try to limit who may see this information.
- Think about when you are making postings. Many have a dateline on and shows where your priorities are if you spend work hours on a social networking site.
- Remove disparaging comments and photos from yours and friends sites.
- Make sure your business network’s CV is the same as that that you give to employers
- When getting recommendations make sure that they are for business development in your current role rather than selling you to future employers. It will become obvious to current employers.
- Make any blogs articulate and of relevance to the subject. Hobbies and interest show a depth to your personality so embrace the forums you use to discuss these subjects positively.
- Keep up to date with what the internet says about you. If the first few things a search brings up a good that person is unlikely to look further.
The internet is a great tool and offers exciting opportunities. It is inevitably going to be used more an more as a primary communication and networking tool. Recruitment is embracing it as a way to identify employees and business opportunities so we don’t want to miss this revolution. Take the same care in creating your Netrep as your CV so it can help rather than hinder you in securing that right opportunity.
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