What to do when you aren’t looking for a job or getting an employment background check
It’s easy to focus on how you look online when job-hunting, but you should focus on your brand when you don’t “need” to. First of all, there’s a good chance that you’re being looked up by clients, customers, partners, co-workers – and even your employer when you are employed and not actively seeking a new job. And why not help your future job-seeking self out when there’s less pressure?
The easiest way to prepare for an unexpected employment background check or an informal online screening is to:
- Regularly scan and monitor your online presence
- Deal with any negative search results as soon as possible
- Consistently build your personal brand by being active on social media and keeping your website up to date and connecting with others
- Take advantage of positive growth opportunities presented to you through your online brand
By consistently taking the steps needed to improve your personal brand, you not only help yourself in the future when you’re looking for the next job, but you open doors to opportunities that you might not have gotten otherwise. As you work towards building a strong personal brand today you’re creating a hub that shows others who you are and what you do. You also create the opportunity to demonstrate your industry knowledge and share your valuable experiences with others.
By intentionally developing your personal brand, you also make it easier for others to get in touch with you. Not only does this increase your chances for opportunities like speaking gigs, conferences, interviews, partnerships, etc – but it shows your current (and next) employer that you are truly engaged in your industry and someone worth investing in.
And remember, a pre-employment background check is only one kind of online screening.
You will undergo online screenings during just about any application or vetting process, such as:
- School/training programs
- Scholarship
- Internships
- Grants
- Applying for loans/mortgages
- Renting/Buying Property
- Admission to service groups, etc
- Meeting someone new
- Networking events
- Dates
- New Friends
- Interest Groups
- Clients
- Colleagues
- Employees
- Customers
- Partners
- Patrons
- And much more
But don’t let any of this scare you. This just shows you why you need to work on your personal brand whether you’re actively undergoing employment background checks, or are subject to the informal background check. Screenings or a constant part of life today whether you realize it or not, so let that fact work in your favor by building a strong personal brand.