Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/213549
likely appear on the first page of results when someone searches your name. Make sure any profiles you post are complete, accurate and regularly updated. To go one step further, it's a good idea to sign up for other major social networks — even those you don't use — to "claim" your name on these sites. Check out http:// namechk.com to find out which sites have your username available and register for the most popular networks. REPUTATION MANAGEMENT: DAMAGE CONTROL When you are active on the Internet, there might be instances where someone posts a negative comment about you on a social network. Or perhaps you have a blemish from the past that comes back to haunt you in a blog post, article or video. If this happens, don't panic. There are several things you can do. First, untag yourself from any and all content that is incorrect or damaging to your reputation. If you don't have access to a particular comment or photo, try reaching out to the person who has posted the content and ask for it to be removed. If you are polite and persistent, most reasonable people will agree. If that doesn't work, the best way to "cover up" something negative is to post as much positive content as possible and push down the negative content in the search results for your name. In addition to being active on social networks, you can write book reviews on Amazon.ca, contribute articles to industry association websites and comment on professional blogs using your real name. Even if you can't entirely remove negative content about yourself, your reputation will stay intact if the vast majority of online information about you is positive and accurate. STAY DILIGENT One of the best ways to monitor your online reputation is to set up a Google alert to receive an email anytime your name is mentioned on the web, including news sites, video sites, social networks and more. Be sure to set up alerts for variations of the spelling of your name, and include your middle name or initial as well. ENHANCING YOUR ONLINE NETWORK To enhance your online network, try the following suggestions: CREATE A STRONG LINKEDIN PROFILE HEADLINE THAT INCLUDES YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS AND ANY MAJOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LINKEDIN APPS THAT WILL SHOW OFF YOUR PROFESSIONAL WORK AND INTERESTS, SUCH AS THOSE BUILT FOR PRESENTATION SHARING OR PROVIDING BOOK REVIEWS. RSVP TO PROFESSIONAL EVENTS ON FACEBOOK (SUCH AS COMPANY INFORMATION SESSIONS, CAREER WORKSHOPS AND PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES) SO YOU CAN SHOW YOU'RE OUT THERE NETWORKING. BECOME A FAN OF PAGES THAT RELATE TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS, SUCH AS PEOPLE, BOOKS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND COMPANIES YOU ADMIRE. canadian hr profession 26 hrreporter.com HRP.indd 26 12-03-26 11:28 AM A V