Have you Googled yourself?

Have you Googled yourself?

It may seem like a silly question in today's society where so many people have smartphones and tablets at the tips of their fingertips throughout the day to Google any and every question that crosses their mind. Some even Google a person they are going on a blind date with. However, I know people who have never Googled themselves.

If you Google people and things you don't know about, what makes you think employers aren't doing the same? Spoiler alert: They are. So, before jumping into the job search and sending out resumes, type your name into that neat little search box and press enter. I should tell you that I Google myself periodically, and when I Googled myself just now there were search items I didn't know about. (Sure, it was only my Pinterest profile, but who knows what else there could have been?) If photos of you drinking from a beer bong in a stranger's basement pop up, then it's safe to say you have some work to do. Fear not, though, because it isn't too late.

Damaging information online can harm your chances in the employment lottery. The first step in damage control is to change and monitor your online public profiles (i.e. Facebook) to keep them professional. The second step in damage control? Create a personal website that highlights your education, achievements, internships, and work experience. If you are like me and aren't a computer programmer, then there are several websites you can use to easily create a professional website. I recommend BeyondCredentials.com; it's free and prompts you with questions that will help employers get to know you both personally and professionally.

You may be thinking, "I can include this information on my Facebook/LinkedIn," and you can. If you want employers to focus on you (and you should!), then creating a personal website that eliminates the clutter of how many friends or connections you have and pictures of you at every football game you went to in college will be better.