Ten simple steps to create and manage your professional online identity: How to use portfolios and profiles

Managing your online professional identity

“…On each site you have a presence be sure to maintain a level of professionalism that emphasizes your skills and interests in a positive light. Correct any mistakes, such as spellings of emails and name variations on any site, especially on your employer or institution's website [2]. Minor typos can prevent your being located or correctly identified.…”

“…Then to be sure your portfolio is used and that you are found by searchers, add links to it from your social pages: LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and Twitter. Finally, on all these social pages, develop a profile and update it periodically [2].…”

“…In this technology‐driven society, you are expected to maintain a professional online presence. Otherwise, you might run the risk of being overlooked or seen as not progressive enough [2].…”

“…So first of all, customize your privacy settings. You never know if a friend or a friend of a friend could become one of your potential employers [2]. If you are on Facebook, where a new version of Facebook has been released, it is advisable to create a new list on Facebook for your professional friends.…”

“…Make it a habit to check periodically and use different browsers to find as many web identities as may be out there for you. Setting aside a time once a month or quarterly to maintain this identity allows you to manage the information and control the knowledge about you [2]. We will give you tips below to change your identity.…”