Since we are going through this journey together, I've created a series of steps to check up on your online presence. It takes less than 5 minutes, trust me!
- Step 1: Google Yourself!
- I know this can seem slightly narcissistic, but it's extremely important to know what your name is attached to online. You don't want to walk into a job interview and then get questions about why you picked a certain Neopet a few years back, or why "nicky4uballergirl@aol.com" seemed like an appropriate email. Yeah, I don't know why either.
- When Googling yourself, include your school name, for example, "Jane Doe Tufts" or "Jane Doe Hogwarts." Make sure to Google your high school name too!
- If you have a common name, you might start using your middle initial to differentiate yourself. If you share names with infamous people/celebrities, you might benefit from the inclusion of a middle initial.
- Step 2: Review your Google images and videos
- Just to make sure none of those embarrassing videos you and your friends made in 2nd grade are still attaining internet fame, double check to ensure everything attached to your name is still relevant and you're comfortable with it being out there.
Trying to ignore the whispers about the secrets and mysteries of LinkedIn? Set up a profile and haven't logged in for a few months? Have no fear! Here are some suggestions toward maintaining a strong presence on LinkedIn. Not only is LinkedIn the largest online professional networking site (300+ million people in 200+ countries), it also allows you to follow companies and leaders online. Being active on LinkedIn is a first minor step that can guarantee some online swag. One of our former bloggers, Nirvanna Lildharrie, covered some great LinkedIn tips in a post last year. Maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile is linked to an increase in the number of page views you receive, according to Forbes.
- Connections
- Only connect to people you know!
- Join groups that are an easy fit; there are many affinity groups for Tufts students and alumni.
- Six degrees of separation makes the whole world go round, especially in business!
- LinkedIn Photo
- Your LinkedIn photo should be a quality, even professional, photo of you.
- If you need a new LinkedIn profile picture, the Career Center has arranged for the university photographer to take pictures at the Career Fair in Gantcher on Wednesday October 1st.
- List it all!
- Resumes limit you to one page while LinkedIn doesn't adhere to pages. You can go into more detail, describing your experiences and activities without a word count.
- LinkedIn is dynamic. You can link yourself to companies you've worked for and follow prospective employers, demonstrating your interest in working for them.
Twitter is one of the easiest ways for companies to observe your online social media presence. In only 140 characters, companies can make an assumption about the type of person you are, who you affiliate with, and how you will represent the company. Scary, I know. Twitter reveals opportunities for interaction with people you don't know, as well as broadcasting your thoughts to the world within seconds. Once it's out there, it's hard to get it back - kind of like that movie filmed on Tufts campus last year. Here is a guide to Twitter etiquette that, I think, is helpful for students looking to use Twitter to display their communication skills and interests, and also for those who simply want to use Twitter just between friends.
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| http://gph.to/1tpCY52 Keep it classy my friends! |
Oh ye olde Facebook, how you have aged over the years. Facebook, though many of us regret to acknowledge it, remains the major social media network today. With the new attractions of Facebook, more people are connected than ever before making it easier for employers to find your profile. Though we use privacy settings to ensure our posts and photos stay within our network, the main theme of the internet still applies. Once it's up, it's up forever. Even with the most secure settings, companies are still able to find your profile, according to the Huffington Post.
"The Internet has been a boon and a curse for teenagers" -J.K Rowling. This fact is especially cringe-worthy considering how cool we all thought we were in middle school. Even though you may never be able to remove all your photos from the internet, it's important to be aware of the photos you are tagged in, and this semester is a great time to start. The Huff Post makes recommendations about the types of photos and posts you wouldn't want a potential employer (and your grandmother) to see on Facebook.
- Red Solo Cups
- There will always be a time when no other drinking receptacle is available, and a picture is snapped
- Limit the amount of these pics posted online!
- Party Pictures
- Hanging out with friends is great but make sure it's not a party you wouldn't feel comfortable explaining to your grandmother from start to finish.
- Grandmothers are great indicators of "classy"
- Complaining Posts/Rants
- As college students, we get motivated by the things we believe in. So, the next time you feel like ranting about the lack of kale served in the dining halls, make sure you remember the Golden Rule - that everyone can see it.
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| "You cat to be kitten me with that post!" |
Carpe Diem,
Nicole Brooks
Class of 2016
