Your first encounter with another person has an enormous impact on how they view you and sets the stage for future interactions. An online professional profile is a digital first impression that reflects who you are and what you want people to know about you. It can lead the way to great opportunities or shut them down before you get your foot in the door. Facebook, LinkedIn, GitHub and Reddit are popular social platforms where IT professionals hang out to exchange ideas, talk tech and network. On the flip side, hiring managers often visit these sites to see how and if potential candidates engage in the technical community.

As Warren Buffet once said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." If you want to dazzle from day one, here’s how to keep your online profile fresh so it leaves a positive lasting impression.

Online Professional Profile

Different roles require different profiles. For coders and developers, it is important to be seen active on sites like GitHub and Reddit. On the IT, non-development side, following and making positive comments on LinkedIn pages and content is highly attractive to managers, as they see you as someone who is engaged with their industry and craft. And do not be afraid to think outside the social box. While LinkedIn is really where much of the action takes place, outlier sites like Meetup often have groups that meet to discuss all things tech-related.

Mistakes to Avoid

Many people, especially the younger generations, have no issue with incorporating their personal life into their online professional profile. There’s a line, though, where doing and saying whatever you want online is seen as a negative by hiring managers. It’s a personal choice, but it’s something to be aware of, particularly if you’re consistently getting passed over.

Top 3 Things Every Online Professional Profile Must Have

You get one chance at a first impression. A good headshot, a succinct and truthful bio, and active engagement are all things hiring managers and recruiters look for when checking out potential candidates online. To learn more about using your online professional profile to make a great first impression and build long-lasting relationships, or to speak with an IT recruiter who can match your skills with a top Las Vegas tech organization, contact Taurean Consulting Group today.