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Your brand says a lot about who you are as a professional. It sends a message about what you do, how you do it, and who you do it for. When building your brand, it’s important to pay special attention to your online channels (such as social media and digital portfolio) as well as your “real-world” branding (including your resume and business cards), because as more and more employers are doing their homework on candidates prior to an interview, the more they are learning who you are by your digital presence. Here are a few ways you can build a strong online brand to help your IT job search.

Assume Employers Will Google You

In this day and age, it’s important to assume that anyone thinking about hiring you or even bringing you in for an interview will look you up online. Resumes and cover letters are no longer the only sources of information hiring managers have access to. Depending on how active you are online, they can see your entire professional background on LinkedIn and even more personal content on sites like Facebook and Twitter. If you have made the news or are mentioned in a blog online, chances are that will show up in a Google search. Make sure that the online content available is in line with what you want them to see.

Think About the Impression You Make

It might be a little unfair to think that your first impression is now in the hands of the internet, but that’s just the reality of the world we live in today. Look at your online content and profiles with a critical eye. Would you hire yourself based on the information available? Do you come across as experienced and professional? Or is there something that doesn’t look like you would make a good fit for the team (or teams) you are looking to join? Is your digital branding just OK? Does it look like you haven’t put much effort into building your profile? That can be just as bad as a poor online reputation because it sends a message that you might not be taking your job search as seriously as you should.

Take Action to Build a Strong Digital Profile

Personal branding is all about positioning yourself as a job seeker who knows what they’re about. Confidence and expertise can come across just as easily online as in person, and hiring managers are actively looking for the candidates who are the real thing. Your online branding is actually a great opportunity to stand out from other candidates who don’t take the time to build an online presence. Do you have a blog? Do you engage in good conversations in groups or forums? Do you have an online portfolio or website? If you haven’t started to create a name for yourself online, now is a great time to start. It’ll help give you that extra credibility that can mean all the difference in a competitive job market.

Work With a Top IT Recruiter in Virginia

If you are looking for your next contract information technology assignment, contact the recruiters at ESGI today to get started on working with the top IT recruiters in Virginia.

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