“The only source of knowledge is experience.” — Albert Einstein
Inappropriate party photos?
Offensive public comments?
Negative social media posts?
Discovery of plagiarized content?
Political protests?
One or more of these can have potential life-long consequences and are just a few ways a college student can have their reputation damaged.
Why is Online Reputation Management Important for University Students?
From a thoughtless social media post to the tussles of hashing out political discourse, students navigate a minefield of potential hiccups that could ripple through the rest of their lives. This article goes into why students need to build a strong online reputation and how it can be accomplished. Whether it is repairing past mistakes or building a positive online identity that opens the doors to future opportunities, the insights here should empower students to take more control of how they are being portrayed online.
We know that reputation management is an essential step for job seekers. 71% of hiring decision-makers think that social media is effective for screening applicants, according to a recent survey by The Harris Poll.
Colleges are increasingly adopting online screening for potential students as well. That means a strong online reputation isn’t just an important tool for college graduates, it’s one that students may need to gain admission to top programs and jobs. We’ll focus mostly on the next steps for graduate students: employment opportunities, professional advancement, graduate school and post-grad education.
Understanding the Impact
Professional Implications: Future employers and admissions officers often review candidates’ social media profiles (as mentioned). Posts perceived as unprofessional, intolerant, or overly polarizing may adversely affect job and academic opportunities.
Balancing Activism and Rhetoric: There is a clear distinction between constructive political activism and harmful rhetoric. Engaging in peaceful protests or articulating well-thought-out perspectives on social media are generally viewed more favorably than posting aggressive or one-sided arguments.
>h4>How to Start
Begin with a few questions: What are you sharing, who are you sharing with, and what does that say about you—both personally and professionally?
Managing an online reputation can be complex and is in constant flux: Google’s algorithm always changes, AI platforms are swiftly developing, new services appear, giving people more ways to connect. While it can seem overwhelming, stick to these basic tenets:
- Be authentic, honest, and helpful
- Make everything you post, interact with, or share something you would be proud reveal with a family member or future boss
- If not, don’t post it
The Internet Has a Really Long Memory
“To be prepared is half the victory.” — Miguel de Cervantes
One inappropriate post on TikTok, Reddit, or Instagram, is likely to remain online, perhaps indefinitely. Instead, consider sharing for the long term and be real when connecting to headhunters, admission officers, and everyone else. That means pause and think before posting. Avoid acting on the spot or falling for impulsive responses, especially when involved in hot/controversial issues. Continually monitor your online reputation before, during, and after college—the critical junctures of entering the workforce.
Employers Checking Students Online?
The use of online reputation management by employers to screen graduating students is a significant factor in hiring processes. According to recent statistics, a vast majority of employers now consider a candidate’s online presence as a critical part of the hiring process. Key points include:
Prevalence
As mentioned above, 71% of hiring decision-makers think that social media is effective for screening applicants. This varies by industry, company size, and country, but the trend is increasingly upwards.
Impact on Hiring Decisions
Negative findings on social media can impact a candidate’s job prospects significantly. For example, posts simply showing inappropriate photos or videos, discriminatory comments, evidence of criminal behavior or even just poor communication skills can all lead to a candidate being passed over.
Positive Impacts
On the flip side, a positive online presence that aligns with an employers’ values, showcases accomplishments, or demonstrates a professional image enhances a candidate’s chances of being hired.
Platforms Scrutinized
LinkedIn remains the most reviewed platform due to its professional focus, but employers also look at Facebook, X/Twitter, and increasingly, Instagram and other visual media platforms to gauge a students’ personal life and character.
Future Trends
The integration of artificial intelligence in the screening process is growing. Tools that can analyze vast amounts of data from social media and other online sources to assess candidates’ personalities and predict their cultural fit within a company are being developed and deployed–however, the answers could be incomplete or even wrong.
For a deeper understanding of the statistics and trends in employer use of online reputation management, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Social media use in hiring.