Either way, think about what you say, what you post, and how you do it.
Your social media presence ought to work for you - now, and in the future.
Let's assume you've already posted and uploaded things.
Your online self should be a projection of who you are, and how you want to be perceived.
Think back - do you have less well conceived material online?
If your blog is part of your academic studies it's meant to be seen, and judged by others and you've probably constructed it in a more professional manner.
But, what of the other stuff?
Have a think about doing some, or perhaps all of the following:
- search for your name online - including other versions of it, and nicknames
- If you find unsuitable, identifiable photographs, posts or comments ask for them to be removed/taken down, or if possible, remove them yourself.
- delete any old, old social media profiles - your pre-teen BEBO years, your myspace teen years, your rambling personal blogs - anything that doesn't impress.... and can be traced back to you.
- make sure that your online info' matches that in your CV / resumé.
- delete anything that you don't want a prospective employer to see - swearing, boasts about sick days, online arguments about contentious issues etc
- check Facebook - photo tagging can be your downfall. Check what your friends do to the photos you appear in - untag yourself.
- If you don't want a prospective employer to see your Facebook profile at all change your privacy settings.
- You can also protect your tweets so that only those you approve can see them.
Don't post in haste, be thoughtful.
Do think about the image you want to project.
*Forever's a long time!
suggested reading: 'how you're unknowingly embarrassing yourself online'
