Why it’s important for lawyers to clean up their online presence
Everyone needs a clean online presence. In the modern era, the internet means that almost all information is readily available at the press of a button, including yours. For lawyers, this is even more important as not only are potential employers going to be looking you up, clients will too. So whether you’re on the hunt for a new role or happy at your current firm, it’s just as important to look after your online presence.
A recent survey found that nearly 80% of employers look at someone’s profile online before even offering an interview, let alone the job. This shows just how important it is to make sure your online presence reflects the best possible image of yourself. And don’t think you’ll get away with it if you don’t have an online presence – “almost 60% of employers are less likely to interview a candidate they can’t find online”. It’s not just prospective employers who might look you up online; More than ever, law firms are using the internet to find lawyers and with Google searches they will be able to find an abundance of information, so make sure what they find is positive. You could be losing out on potential clients without even knowing because of what comes up when your name is searched on Google.
How to clean up your online presence
- Google yourself – This is the easiest, most straightforward way of seeing what’s out there, and work from there. Search for your name, (your full name along with any nicknames) and see what comes up. Check the first page and second page and don’t forget Google images. If something comes up like an old tweet or Facebook photo you wouldn’t want a future employer/client to see go onto your social media and delete it.
- Go through your social media profiles – these include LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as the main ones. Be on the hunt for red flags (see below) – this is a long process however, is a very necessary one, even if you don’t think you need to delve deep into your profile, the person hiring might!
Typical red flags to look out for:
- Embarrassing or inappropriate photos – make sure those birthday posts from your friends are hidden
- Negative or inappropriate language or strong opinions – we’ve all been angry and taken to Twitter, it might be time to let it go.
- Complaints about current or former employers – this never looks good, even if you are right
- References to illegal activity, drinking, or drug use – you’re only as good as your worst posts
- Inconsistencies between your resume and online presence – If they find evidence that your story doesn’t match up that’ll be the first lie you’ve told, it’s never going to sit well
What you want to show
It’s not all doom and gloom, now is your chance to get ahead of the curve and make your online presence glow. One of the best ways to clean up your online presence is to post new aspects of your life, update your LinkedIn, Twitter etc. to what you’re currently doing. This will help for so many years to come and will give you that edge with potential employers and clients.
Here’s a top tip for high-quality content from our marketing department:
Write two separate lists of your personal and professional values for example for personal; adventure, positive, mental health, learning, travel and for professional; ambition creativity, success, wellbeing, punctual. The list can go on.
With these lists, refer back to them and make write posts about them, talk about your life, talk about what you’re looking forward to, your holidays, workplace initiatives, activities. Try to balance your personal and your professional life. We’re professionals after all, let’s make sure to showcase that!
