Stay Positive

Social media is a part of our everyday lives. It is often the first thing we look at when we wake and the last thing we check before falling asleep. We use it as an outlet to express our emotions. Some people go to social media with drama and may even leave hateful comments on posts. Everything that we share on social media creates a digital footprint. This footprint is used by employers to do a ‘background check’ on possible new employees.

The importance in a positive digital footprint is immense. Since we use social media as part of our everyday lives, “If someone is working hard, being creative, helping others or receiving awards, then surely promoting these skills and achievements online is a good thing.”(Source 1). Just one look at our digital footprint can tell an employer if we are fit for the job. Employers can use your digital footprint to can indicate personality, sense creativity, see any groups you are involved in, and even see any awards or accolades you may have received. Even if you are not looking to be employed, a digital footprint can determine the type of clientele you receive when starting a business. Consequently, a negative digital footprint can turn away business; a positive reputation is more likely to attract business.

There are many different ways to create a digital footprint. One of these ways is through social media like Facebook or Twitter, “These tools allow anyone to collaborate and contribute in meaningful ways.” (source 1) This is where you could showcase the types of organizations you are involved with. Another way is through blogging; this could give you a space to write about things that you are passionate about and give people insight on where you stand on different issues. It could even be just somewhere that you talk about your day. In one person’s blog they decided to discuss the ‘r word’, “We talked about how it effects other people, how much it hurts, and most important, how to STOP this from happening.” (source 2). This one line in her blog could show a future employer or possible business partner that she is caring, respectful, and supportive of ending something so degrading.

Digital footprints are not always positive. Sometimes people will only post inappropriate content, leave hate comments, and just plain out bully others. This could potentially cause someone to lose job opportunities. As an employer they do not want a confrontational person. They want an uplifting person who will succeed in a collaborative work environment. Additionally, inappropriate content from employees could be an issue for the company.

Digital resumes are also a good way to display skills and show qualifications. It is crucial that we start our digital footprint early in order to give employers an accurate look at who we are. Simply posting a blog once a week or even once a month could help. Digital resumes are also a good way to display skills and show qualifications.

“#ISRU11 – We ALL leave a digital footprint” by OllieBray is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

“Digital Footprint Word Cloud” by penbentley is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0