Very early on in my leadership career, I was approached by my manager about an email that I had sent to a superior in an attempt to resolve an issue that was not well received.  There I was, all proud of myself for taking the initiative to solve problems, crushed at being informed that the tone of my email was accusatory and out of line.  As I was trying to establish a reputation as a leader, I learned I had branded myself a bully. Several years later I participated in a 360° review of myself in which I was surprised to learn that my peers viewed me as more concerned with my own objectives than the overall goals of the department.  Again, I was disappointed to learn I was not perceived by others as having the reputation I was trying to create.  My speculations about the reasons are topic for a different blog, but the point here is that the things you put out there in the form of actions, body language, comments, conversations and written communications, both formal and informal, public and private (make no mistake, nothing is private, everybody gossips!) all create your professional image.  When you receive the criticism, you have an opportunity to learn and address the problem, change direction and improve.   The problem is that you don’t always have the benefit of feedback to know how you are perceived… 

This is especially true and vitally important to understand for a job seeker, and mostly everyone is potentially a job seeker.  If you don’t consider yourself one, consider this - if a recruiter found your profile on-line or through a network referral and called to advise you about a better opportunity, would you be interested in applying?  If you’re looking for a job or you’re not actively looking for a job, the things you put out there shape your persona and determine the limits of your career growth. 

If you are trying to find a job and you’re not getting any calls or interviews, THAT IS feedback.  Something is wrong with your resume, your approach or your digital footprint.  Take control of your brand effectively and you expand your possibilities.  Make some internet mistakes and commit career suicide.  Once you put it out there, it’s there for the world to see – and often forever.  Imagine a recruiter, upon review of your resume or profile looking for additional information that may confirm or deny its contents via google and on professional / social networks.  Are they going to contact the guy with a profile pic giving the middle finger or displaying his bare chest or red-eyed with a beer in hand?  How much confidence does a girl in revealing clothing or in a hot tub or sticking her tongue out inspire?  What writings might be posted about you and what writings have you posted about yourself or others or your employer?  How about the unfortunate soul who posted this on Twitter?

Here’s one way to evaluate your online identity.  Have you googled yourself lately?  Did you see what you expected to see?

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