"Just Google It" - the answer to most every question these days.  But do you google yourself before an interview with a potential employer?

While not everything on the internet can be controlled, what you can control is knowing what is out there and mitigating what HR or a potential employer may see before you walk in the door for your first interview.

If you've never thought or felt the need to Google yourself, you aren't alone.  A TopResume survey showcased that over 50% of entry-level to senior-level employees have never Googled their name.

Need a little insight and a few steps on why and how to manage your online reputation?  Look no further because we offer the best tips for your online reputation below:

First off, let's answer "why" first when it comes to Googling yourself pre-interview.

The Top Reasons To Check Your Online Reputation

• You'll be able to see what social media platforms show up as well as what photos come up alongside these accounts.

• Googling yourself can allow you to match the information on your resume with search results such as a college graduation announcement or any accolades you may have been awarded that can corroborate your resume.

• You'll be able to see any results for someone who shares the same name as you that has a less than stellar record--it happens.

• Seeing all Google results about yourself can allow you to take action towards ensuring your online reputation is professional and up-to-date regularly.

These are pretty compelling reasons to ensure your personal online presence showcases your brand in both a positive and honest light and one that reflects the culture of the position you are applying to.  The last thing you want to happen is to be a standout candidate but lose the opportunity because of your online presence.

Now, let's dive into the steps of mitigating and regularly auditing your online individual reputation.

How To Manage Your Online Reputation

• Go into your social media accounts and remove all photos that do not cast yourself in a great light.  Nights out with friends are fun memories but not something HR wants to see. 

• If any troubling information exists, see if you can bury it with positive information.  Pitch guest blogs on a topic you are an expert in, share your personal journey and expertise on a podcast with a high domain authority to push any problematic content off Google's first page.

• Take a chance and reach out to a site that may have troubling content or photos you want to be removed, whether this is a friend's social media site or a stranger's web page, asking can make a difference in taking it off Google.

• If you have some money to spare, save yourself time and work with a reputable online reputation management company to show you what is out on the internet about you and work with them to clean up your online presence.

Knowing what information, photos, and articles exist out there can give you a clear idea of how others may view you and your personal reputation online and you can perform your own online reputation management.  Not every piece of content is within your control or necessarily true but taking the time to create a better online reputation is something you can do.

Remember, the caveat is you need to be a couple of steps ahead of the game and because something is removed does not mean it will not still come up on Google or other search engines for some time.  We cannot always plan when we will be searching for a job but regularly checking up on your online reputation can allow you to act in leisure vs. haste when you decide to begin your job search and interviewing.

Ready to apply for your dream job?  View our current openings or submit your resume today to land your new opportunity tomorrow!