1. Use Good To Fight The Bad

Have you ever done a Google search on yourself, only for several negative comments about you to show? You are not alone. The negative content might be from an ugly argument you had with someone many years ago. As they say, the internet never forgets. You could counter such negative comments and posts through positive posts. Doing so will help push the negative content and comments down, making it harder to find or show on the top pages of a search result. Very few people will look past the second page of a search result.

2. Take Advantage of LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best platforms you can use to market your skills and boost your reputation. Use the platform to list all the jobs and positions you have ever held, what your accomplishments were, and provide links to some of your previous work. Your LinkedIn profile should have all the relevant professional information a recruiting agency or employer would want to see. Be sure to provide a brief intro about why you picked your field of work and what your motivation is. You might also want to use the recommendations feature to invite previous bosses, clients, and even co-workers to shed light on your expertise and experience.

3. Be Careful With Your Spelling And Grammar

Many people will only pay attention to their spelling and grammar when drafting a resume or cover letter. While grammar on these might be impeccable, making silly spelling mistakes on the posts you make on social media, as well as bad grammar, can come back to haunt you in the future. Most recruiters find such mistakes a major turnoff, especially if they repeatedly show on your profile and posts.  While an occasional mistake is allowed, repeated ones show a trend, hence should be avoided at all costs. Learn to use correct grammar and spellings on everything you post online, including text messages.

4. Avoid Controversial Subjects

Some subjects, especially politics, are best left to the experts.  Involving yourself in such might ruin your reputation in the long run, hence not worth your time.  Recruiting agencies might not be appreciative is you choose to take sides with a political divide, and especially if it becomes a heated topic. You could, however, participate in discussions that involve encouraging other people.

5. Avoid Thoughtless Or Offensive Posts On Social Media

While getting into a positive discussion online, or on social media, might earn you some points with the recruiter, the same cannot be said if it is an argument.  Some arguments can turn nasty, forcing you to make offensive and thoughtless remarks unknowingly. That said, never get into a discussion that can affect another person’s beliefs, religion, politics, or sexuality. It might also be advisable to avoid posting photos of you drinking your brains out on social media.

6. Use The Social Media Responsibly

Social media provides a platform to build your reputation online. The same applies to your website and blogs. That said, it would be advisable to avoid uploading content that might make your reputation questionable.  Take time to go through your Facebook or Twitter timeline to see if there are suggestive posts you might have made a few years back, and remove them if need be. Do the same with your Instagram and LinkedIn profiles.  Only use these profiles to show your positive side and to share work experiences.

Many recruiters use social media as one of the ways to look into a candidate. Keeping your timelines clean and free of toxic comments can help woo the recruiter into considering you instead of other candidates. Your reputation online matters.