How much do employers really care about my online brand?

10 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 31,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

   Not being able to find you on social media like Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok is a good thing whether its because you don't have one or have great privacy settings in place. LinkedIn can be hit or miss with employers some will care more than others, but I truly think your hurting yourself more than the employer by not having a LinkedIn. It is a great networking tool and one of the easiest ways to gain new information, meet new people in your field, and that could all eventually lead to a job if your looking and if your not its great to set yourself up for the future.

2. Alexis GladstoneJanuary 31,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

   Having a LinkedIn profile isn't important for every industry or type of role. I would look at what others are doing and follow their lead.

   If it does seem like something you should have, I would create something very basic to have for your job search. Once you get that new role, you can always delete it or just let it sit out there. I know a number of people who did that when making a transition.

3. S.January 31,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

   I think it depends on the industry you're targeting, and I do also think many companies like to check out a candidate's online presence. It shows them you're interested in the online space and are a forward thinker as so many companies are expanding to collaborate online a lot more. I would recommend you create a LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and include at least the basics. I think it's very helpful in today's market. Hope this helps!

4. Barb HansenJanuary 31,2022 at 4:22PM UTC

   Do you need a LinkedIn profile? Yes (for almost every white collar job). Do you need a LinkedIn profile that looks like you spend some time on it? Yes (for most white collar jobs). Do you need an Online Brand? Maybe. Are you being hired as a social media or digital strategist? Are you a UX/UI, product designer, developer, (maybe a marketer if you are applying for a senior marketing role)? Yes, you need an online social brand (or presence) to show that you understand the arena, but you do not need to share your personal accounts, create work-facing social media (or design-focused like dribbble) accounts and populate them with industry, career, project focused insights. If you are a developer, having a GitHub account to share your code is also a good idea. If you are being hired for almost every other white collar job, you don't need an "online brand" (other than LinkedIn).

5. IkyJanuary 31,2022 at 4:27PM UTC

   It depends on what role you want to land and what industry you are in. You may want to look up those on top of their games in your industry and study their online presence. Do they use LinkedIn? Do they have a website? Also, ask the hiring managers and recruiters in your industry for their perspectives. At the end of the day, you will have to decide what's best and right for you. There is no one size fits all. Keep being awesome!

6. Tomilyn RichardsFebruary 1,2022 at 12:26PM UTC

   Really depends on the role you are seeking... to answer your question, no you don't. =)

7. Jackie GhedineFebruary 1,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

   The role of building your personal brand is to create a psychological connection. People 'buy' (you're selling yourself) from those they know, like and trust. Creating a personal brand online is like preselling yourself. It gives those hiring a sense of knowing you, an understanding about your thoughts, your strengths, your personality. As a career coach, I encourage all of my clients to have a clear presence on LinkedIn and a really strong elevator pitch. When you interview, when you network, you need to be clear and succinct about what you do, what benefits you bring and how you will impact an organization. Too many women (we talk a lot or clam up) struggle with this.Take the time to build both, it will pay off...promise.

8. AnonymousFebruary 1,2022 at 1:23PM UTC

   It matters a lot to the people who want to sell you their services to create an online brand for you. Not much to anyone else in general. If you are job-hunting I would set up a basic LinkedIn. Even if you don't really use it, often connections post jobs that could be of interest and it's worth checking in on your feed for that if your contacts are in the field you want to work in.

9. Dcre1977February 1,2022 at 4:26PM UTC

   I can just say, I do look you up on social media before I interview, but it won't hurt if I don't find you.

   It will hurt if you come across as unprofessional or unable to get along with diverse groups.

   I myself am not on social media and it hasn't hurt me.

10. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.LFebruary 1,2022 at 11:09PM UTC

    Honestly, Linkedin is used to help you obtain employment. Please use it professionally. If you do not need a social media page, don't get one unless it is for your job, business, or to contact family and friends. Employees do use social media as a tool for hire. Social media has gotten people fired and hired.