“Professionalizing your online presence”

About Courtney: Twitter @Courtspencer Email: Court12.spencer@gmail.com Honors graduate of Bentley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. I am a social media marketer, who has worked for a variety of organizations including the Boston Ballet, Sophist Productions, New Seabury Corporation, SocialVibe, Microsoft Students to Business and Experience Inc. I have extensive experience in the marketing aspects of social media. I maintain my own blog where I write about trends in social media and help others use social media tools to network and maintain their online presence. I am also currently a social media columnist at the Examiner (Examiner.com). Contact Information: Twitter @Courtspencer Email: Court12.spencer@gmail.com Blog: http://Courtspencer.wordpress.com

Topics Why the internet is an important reputation and personal branding tool. Overview of the Web 2.0 tools used for recruiting. How to monitor and professionalize your online presence. Q&A

The Web 2.0 era New web 2.0 technologies are changing the approach to the traditional job and recruiting searches. No longer are job searches and recruiting efforts confined to just your resume. It’s all about your web presence!

Facebook Twitter Linkedin MySpace Ning Friendster

Social Networking Social Networking sites are now more popular than ever. These sites are now a key component in helping to personally “brand yourself,” professionalize your image and network. But, like they say….with any great power, comes great responsibility…

Did you know…. Over 60% of college admissions officers, employment recruiters and company managers use social networks to find out your personal information. 34% of hiring managers dismissed a candidate based on what they found on their social profiles. 29% of candidates had poor communication skills 24% of hiring managers found information that was used to hire a candidate. 40% of candidates were a good fit for the company’s culture 48% of candidate background supported their qualifications for the job Experience-tons of resources out there-insight how employers are mesauring candidiate qualifaications

Still not convinced that having a positive and professionalized online presence matters?

Real life Example The story of “Intern Kevin Colvin” When you Bing “Kevin Colvin” this picture now appears Kevin is now finding it impossible to land a new job along with salvaging his professional reputation. This could happen to you!

…Moral of the story… Managing your online presence is crucial in today’s web 2.0 environment! Employers are turning to social networks more than ever to help in their recruitment efforts. And don’t forget that your current co-workers and managers are keeping tabs on your profiles as well!

Tools and Tips to help professionalize and Monitor your online presence

Use “Twitter Search” to monitor the use of your name. Bing

Bing your name!

In Conclusion… Every action that you take on the web is put into your permanent online record. Your best plan of action is to feed your record with positive images, jobs, and words. And remember Bing never forgets!