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Build an online image to shine on Internet
An image is about demeanour, diligence and professionalism. It is an extension of one’s character and personality. How is this connected to the Internet? What does this have to do with the World Wide Web? We use the Internet for emails, exchange information, do video conferencing, research extensively, save photographs, become members of networks, but where in all this are we building an image? However, in actuality, we’re building an image everywhere, in all t
he above tasks and in almost every action we take. We’re, in effect, leaving a trail behind with every step or rather click we make.
It is the age of the search engine. As the Internet stores and displays information on every subject in great detail, it can also display information about you.
And it is this information that can be of great benefit or detriment to you and your career. ‘How so?’ you ask. In the event, that you are seeking employment, it is possible that companies will do an Internet search on you. Similarly, colleagues, clients, boss, juniors, absolutely anyone at all can search for you on the Internet and you might be wondering, ‘What will they find?’
You can have a fantastic online presence that exudes charisma, leadership, profiles your skills and experience, and is a dynamic reflection of you and your work. On the other hand, your online image can also be random and disjoint.
Clearly, the onus is on you to create an online presence that will depict your skills and professionalism.
To begin with decide what image you would like to portray depending on your career and field of interest. If in advertising, your online image will have to be trendy and creative, if in IT sector, your profile will have to reflect your specific skills and interest. Once this is decided how does one go about building this image?
This is the all-encompassing Internet; hence we can begin by retracing our steps and deleting or re-creating what needs to be changed. Do a search on yourself and then get to work.
Indeed, the Internet knows no bounds, but everyone still needs to define some boundaries and draw a line, between the personal and professional. Update your privacy setting, for everything personal, example photos of friends’ birthdays, holidays and group setting.
You have the authority through privacy settings in most websites and networks to make private and restrict access to your information. Hence use this to decide how much information you want to display to the general public which could include a prospective boss and what information you would like to store for display to friends and family.
Once you’ve made a distinction between the professional and private it is time to build the professional presence, to dazzle and shine on the Internet. In the age of networking this begins with the social and professional networking sites that you can join. This includes not just job search portals where you upload a CV, but also social networks and professional forums and groups.
A professional forum or group is an ideal place to display your qualifications and indulge in discussions on the nature of your industry and delve in any technical knowledge with fellow group members. When shown in search engines, this will reflect your technical knowledge as well as portray your interpersonal skills. It will also be a great place to network and learn.
After the professional forum, you can work on social networking sites that are also fast gaining popularity, for example Facebook or Orkut
Create a profile that clearly represents you and reflects your interests, skills and versatility. Especially since these sites are for social networking, they are also a good place to display your uniqueness and diversity. HR departments are attracted to not only your skills, but also your uniqueness as an individual hence list your hobbies, volunteer work, achievements in college and school, quotes that inspire you and your list of icons to follow. Things that reflect you but can’t be shown on your C.V or resume can be shown on such sites.
faqs@cnkonline.com
UZMA HYDER
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