Frequently Asked Questions
- How can my "internet identity" affect my career advancement?
- As a recent study published by ExecuNet, Inc. shows, 83% of recruiters are using search engines and other internet resources to find information pertaining to their candidates. 43% say they have not hired a candidate based on the information they found. As this statistic demonstrates, it is extremely important that you monitor what sort of information will be found about you. It doesn't always have to be controversial or criminal information that can jeopardize your career, although negativities such as those should be a primary concern. Sometimes it can be as simple as a side business you own that may be seen as a conflict of interest, a politically biased comment on a website, or a picture your friend posted of you at a rowdy party. Although these things may not seem to you as interferences to your professional life, to a person who doesn't know you, they may not paint the picture you would like. It is important that you are aware of your internet identity and how it makes you look to the outside world.
- What sort of information could be considered negative?
- There are many forms of "digital dirt". The most obvious would be a criminal record, a controversial publication, or an indecent website. Unfortunately, this kind of information might come up during a search about you, although the person owning the information is someone different, but with the same name. Other possible negativities might be more subtle. Maybe you have a moonlighting position that would be seen as a strain on your time or energy. Perhaps a friend posted some wild pictures of you at the New Year's Eve party last year. Or someone might stumble upon your blog in which you highlight personal habits or experiences. Although you may not feel as if these things are a reflection of your professional capabilities, they can be seen by potential employers as a glimpse into your character or moral fiber.
- I don't have any negative information about me on the internet, because I don't have anything at all. Is there anything wrong with that?
- Having absolutely no internet identity can be as detrimental as having a negative one. Imagine you are interviewing for a position with a company, and it is between you and one other candidate. The recruiter is compiling the information they have acquired about you through your interview, resume, and references, and it seems that you and the other candidate are equally suited for the position. Upon searching your names on the internet he finds that the other candidate is a volunteer, is active in a non-profit organization, and has an industry related blog that he maintains. About you, he finds nothing. Who do you think that the recruiter is going to lean towards? It is unfortunate, because you may have as many accomplishments to show for your hard work and dedication. This is why it is vital to make those successes known!
- When I search my name, it brings up a racy site belonging to someone else with my name. Is this something I should address during the interviewing process?
- If you have made it to the interviewing process, it is most certainly something that should be addressed. There is the possibility that you may not be making it to that initial interview because of that little tidbit. Or this could explain why you have been consistently passed up for that promotion you are going for. Whether you are in the interviewing process, or trying to advance your current career, the information that is found on the internet can sway the employer's decision, one way or the other. The more positive information there can be found about you, the more likely it is that you will be able to get where you want to go.
- If a recruiter or potential employer found something of question, wouldn't they just ask me to explain it during an interview?
- Not necessarily. It is possible that an interviewer might bring up any questions they have about this information. But it is more likely that they will not call you in for an interview or offer the position to someone else. When research uncovers something of question, asking the candidate about it opens the door for a discrimination suit. It is easier and safer for the employer to state other reasons for their decision.