Written by Amanda McNulty, Senior HR Advisor – Recruitment, TELUS Human Resources
To create your brand, you’ve got to become relentlessly focused on what you do.
What adds value? What makes you feel proudest? What can you shamelessly take credit for?
Think about what makes you unique. What do you do that adds remarkable, measurable, distinctive value?
When you’re promoting your brand, everything that you do – or choose not to do – communicates the value and character of that brand. From the way you handle phone conversations to the email messages you send, everything is part of the larger message you’re sending about your brand.
Think about how social media plays a part in that! Have you ever searched your name on the internet? When you think about doing that, are you a little nervous? What we put on social media stays on the internet forever and can be searched and looked at by anyone – including future hiring managers. It’s really important to be mindful of what you’re posting on social media sites so that it really conveys the message that you intend it to.
If it makes you nervous to think that future employers might see a picture or post, then it’s probably not appropriate!
Use your judgment to ensure that you’re not posting pictures or posts of anything offensive, controversial, illegal, or crossing the line of good judgment.
Here are a couple of quick tips:
- Watch what your friends are posting online and ask them not to post pictures or information without your consent first. This includes them tagging you in pictures too.
- Regularly search your name online so that you are aware of what’s out there about you and can make any changes or respond to any questions about it.
Remember – You are in charge of your social media image so it’s important to keep on top of it.