Most people have Googled themselves. If you haven’t, maybe you should, because what people find when they Google search your name can be detrimental to your career.
Approximately 75 percent of all recruitment offices are required by HR to Google candidates names. This Google search will set the tone for their first impression of you.
Firstly, how do we prevent this negative first impression? Before you publish anything online ask yourself if you would want a HR department seeing it. If the answer is no, don’t publish it. Also it is important to have all your privacy settings high so that employers won’t see personal posts.
Secondly, what is considered negative? Here are the top five most common negative Google searches.
1. A negative press mention
With the internet booming and connecting people, it is easy to find local and industry-focused sites. If you have been involved in something negative published in a newspaper, magazine, radio or television, this can be found online.
2. Information about an arrest or legal mix up
If you have had an encounter with the law your mug shot, arrest blotter, legal filings and any other publishing’s can be found online.
3. Negative online reviews
Anonymous review sites are popping up all over the internet allowing people to vent about you personally or a business. These are uncontrollable also making them highly detrimental. For example, on sites like RateMyTeachers, there are all sorts of comments both positive and negative about the quality of the teacher.
4. Breakup Backlash
Breakups can bring out the worst in people as some post horrible and excessive information online. This is a time when nude photos and sex tapes are published online.
5. Negative blog or website posts
Whether true or not, slanderous blog posts or entire websites can be detrimental.