5 Ways to Build Your Online Image

May 27, 2010, By Victor Medina 0 comments

When using the Internet to polish your professional image, it is important to know that there are far more things you can do wrong than right. With so many options at your disposal, it is easy to want to try everything, but you run a risk of sending the wrong signals rather than maintaining a professional, dignified image.

If you are a job hunter looking to promote yourself to potential employers, you can do much more than post your resume at one of the many job sites online. If you want to raise your standing within your own profession, the Internet has the tools to be your personal PR firm. In both cases, your efforts will pay off if you're bold in your thinking and keep it strictly professional.

Should You Dot-Com?

The best way to set yourself apart from the "field" is with a personal web domain (a web address with extensions like .com and .net) that lists your resume and work portfolio. It is an inexpensive option that is easy to maintain and does not require much web savvy. Having a domain address adds legitimacy to you as a professional and makes you more appealing to potential employers, who may take the time to check your website.

Be sure to pick a domain that's easy to remember. Since many of the common .com addresses are taken, you might need to be inventive, or you might find the address you want with a .net or .us extension. Try to pick an address that is as short as possible and easy to remember.

Domain registration websites (like Namecheap or GoDaddy) can register domains for under $10 a year, so don't be taken with companies that offer "full website packages" that cost hundreds of dollars. Many domain registration websites offer "do it yourself" web page design, or you can create pages with programs available online or in stores.

Using your website as an online resume or portfolio is an effective promotional tool, so use the site to provide more detail of your expertise. Include any specialized training or detail conferences you've attended. Such detail can set you apart from others with potential employers or business associates. It is important to ensure that your website has a professional look. Keep it clean and simple, like a business report or presentation.

Take the time and go the extra mile to enhance your resume or portfolio of work. Instead of just listing the companies you have worked with, include logos. If you have pictures or short videos of yourself in a work environment or giving a speech or presentation, include it. This extra insight into how you carry yourself can mold a positive first impression.

If you do post your actual resume, do not include sensitive information like home addresses and phone numbers. Contrary to what many resume "experts" tell you, do not include your personal "mission statement" or "career goals." With so many resumes flying around out there competing with yours, employers are looking for something short and concise. Mission statements and the like have been so overdone, employers just see it as "white noise" and skip it.

To Blog or Not to Blog?

Blogging, which is essentially an online journal, may be a popular method of online self-expression, but it can easily undermine your image if not done correctly. In order to maintain a level of professionalism, keep personal matters and opinions off of it. Keep it up to date, but don't update it every day if it doesn't get a lot of traffic. Potential employers won't hire someone they think will spend their workday constantly updating their personal blog. Use a blog to post your activities and accomplishments. Don't brag, but treat it formally, like an announcement.

If you're trying to avoid designing your own website or paying to have one designed, a blog can be a nice alternative. Blogging websites like Blogger and Wordpress offer a number of free templates (which are essentially websites that display your entries) that can give you a professional-looking site with minimal effort. You can even have your domain address directed to your blog.

If you're looking for employment, make it clear on your blog that you are available for hire. Be sure to provide an email address so potential employers can contact you.

Using Social Networking Sites

Sites like MySpace, Facebook, Bebo and Friendster can boost your professional standing by introducing you to thousands of potential new contacts, but it can also be one's undoing. A number of professionals have been fired for statements they made on these sites or pictures they posted. Avoid social networking mistakes by not making controversial statements, and like a blog, keep your postings limited and professional.

If you are using social networking to job hunt, mention it in your personal profile description, which visitors and friends will often read. Keep your profile public, which will increase your exposure. Networking is an important feature on social networks, so look for "groups" or "networks" that could put you in contact with people in your targeted profession.

Don't be a Twit

While Twitter can be a practical tool, too often someone uses the texting application to tell friends -- or anyone else listening -- what cereal they are having for breakfast. It's always a good idea to use Twitter sparingly. Use it to send links to online articles (even your own, if you write one) in your field of interest or profession. It's safe to say anyone on your Twitter list probably shares the same interests and wouldn't be annoyed with hearing from you. Don't let your ego take over by believing people want to hear every detail of your life. Used correctly, Twitter can demonstrate your expertise in a particular field.

Be an Expert

Nothing boosts your resume, or your ego, like being branded an expert in your field of work. Journalists, writers, and other websites are always looking for experts to quote or refer to, and they usually find them online. Don't be afraid to offer yourself on your website or blog as available to the press. Mention your areas of expertise, but be careful not to oversell yourself. The media can be your best ally in shaping and promoting your professional image.