What is “digital presence”?

It means your online reputation. It is formed by your “digital footprint” (everything about you and everything that you do on the Internet). This includes:

• Your profile and activities on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites.
• Your posts in blogs, comments on forums
• links you share
• Anything written about you.
• Your photographs or videos.

All of these contribute to creating your personal brand or image.

Why do you need to have digital presence?

Employers look for information about their applicants on the Internet. If the person is not online, they take it to mean that the applicant lacks digital skills or does not like technology. It could also mean that the applicant is hiding something. Workplaces use digital technology and deal with information. Applicants may not be a good fit if they do not like computers and online tools.

Recruiters and headhunters also search on LinkedIn for candidates. You might be missing career opportunities if you don’t have a digital presence.

How does a good digital presence help your career?

1. It shows your knowledge and skills
   You can build a good reputation by writing a blog, posting tips, sharing links to professional articles and resources, and participating on professional forums. Remember to share only well-researched, substantial and accurate information.

   Having proper netiquette is an important part of building credibility. Always be respectful. Don’t flame (insult others or use curse words) or troll (post messages that make others angry).How you conduct yourself online is a preview of how you are in person.

2. Helps you network/build relationships
   Your online connections can become real connections in your field. Start networking by having a LinkedIn account, joining Facebook groups, and “following” people, organizations or companies on Twitter. Being active online also keeps you informed about job openings, job fairs and seminars.

   Keep your connections by staying involved. Share helpful content, answer questions, retweet or re-post information with your connections or help promote events.

3. May encourage employers to hire you
   It can be hard to show passion for your career in your resume. An active digital presence can display your professional knowledge and involvement. It can be the factor that gets you hired.

Moving forward

Experts say that digital presence will replace the resume in 10 years. It’s not too late to start building your online presence. Creating a LinkedIn profile or signing up for Facebook only takes minutes. However, building a good online reputation takes some time. Remember to boost your image by posting responsibly and practicing proper netiquette.
 
Article updated January 31, 2022.
 
Sources: 5 reasons why your online presence will replace your resume in 10 years, Dan Schawbel, Forbes; and Managing yourself: What’s your personal social media strategy? Soumitra Dutta, Harvard Business Review.