Job Hunting? Here’s How to Use Online Reputation Management

Job Hunting? Here’s How to Use Online Reputation Management (ORM) to Stand Out

You’ve updated your resume. Rewritten your cover letter. Applied to your dream role.

But before a recruiter ever hits “reply,” they’re probably doing the one thing most job seekers forget to manage:

Googling you.

Your online presence is your unofficial resume. Whether you’re actively job hunting or passively open to opportunities, how you show up online can make or break your chances.

At Buzz Dealer, we help high-profile clients manage complex reputations. But when it comes to job seekers, the same core principle applies:

Control what shows up when people search your name – or risk being misunderstood, overlooked, or misrepresented.

The good news? You don’t need a budget to get started.

Let’s Get Practical: What You Can Do Today (For Free)

Let’s Get Practical: What You Can Do Today

✅ 1. Google Yourself in Incognito Mode

Why it matters: This shows you what recruiters and hiring managers see.

How to do it:

  1. Open a private/incognito window in your browser.
  2. Google your full name (with and without middle initial).
  3. Add keywords like your city, past employer, or job title if your name is common.

What to look for:

  • Is your LinkedIn at the top?
  • Are there outdated profiles or posts showing up?
  • Do any links paint you in a negative or irrelevant light?

Action: Take note of anything that shouldn’t be there – and use the rest of this guide to start shaping what should be.

✅ 2. Clean Up & Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Why it matters: It’s usually the first result recruiters click – and it sets the tone.

How to do it:

  • Add a clean, professional profile photo.
  • Add a clean, professional/creative cover photo – but one that is minimalistic and simple.
  • Write a headline that reflects your skills, not your status.

    Good: “Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO, Paid Media, Growth Strategy”
    Weak: “Looking for New Opportunities”
  • Use the “About” section to tell your story in 3 – 5 short paragraphs.
  • Update your job history with clear results (not just responsibilities).
  • Add 3 – 5 relevant skills and get endorsements.
  • Set your custom URL: linkedin.com/in/yourname

Action: Spend 20–30 minutes refining your profile today. It’s your most important ORM asset as a job seeker.

✅ 3. Audit Your Social Media And Set Boundaries

Why it matters: Employers will check your public posts – especially if your profiles are connected to your real name.

How to do it:

  • Go through your posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok, Instagram.
  • Archive, delete, or restrict visibility of anything controversial, immature, or overly personal.
  • Check your bios. If your Twitter bio says “Serial job-hopper, caffeine addict ☕,” maybe rethink it.

Action: Either clean it up or lock it down. Privacy settings are your friend.

✅ 4. Create a Simple Personal Website or Digital Resume

Why it matters: A personal site ranks well on Google, gives you full control over messaging, and looks highly professional.

How to do it (free options):

  • Use tools like About.me, Notion, Wix, or Carrd.
  • Include:
    • A short bio
    • Resume or portfolio
    • Links to your LinkedIn and contact info
    • Optional: testimonials or featured projects

Action: Register your name as a domain if you can (e.g., yourname.com). Even a one-pager can help push positive content into your search results.

✅ 5. Create (or Claim) Your Name on Major Platforms

Why it matters: Even if you don’t use every platform, claiming your name builds authority and fills search space with relevant, controlled content.

What to do:

  • Create or update profiles on:
    • LinkedIn
    • Medium or Substack (for articles)
    • GitHub (for developers)
    • Behance or Dribbble (for creatives)
    • Reddit (with a professional or semi-anonymous handle)

Action: Claim the same username across platforms if possible. Use a consistent photo and short bio.

✅ 6. Publish One Piece of Value-Driven Content

Why it matters: Content positions you as thoughtful, engaged, and informed in your field.

Ideas:

  • Write a LinkedIn post about a challenge you solved at work.
  • Share your take on a recent trend in your industry.
  • Offer 3 lessons you learned during your last role.

Action: Write and publish one piece this week. It doesn’t have to go viral – it just has to show you care.

✅ 7. Ask for Endorsements & Testimonials

Why it matters: Social proof isn’t just for products – it builds trust in people, too.

How to do it:

  • Message former colleagues, managers, or clients.
  • Ask for a short LinkedIn recommendation or testimonial you can feature on your website.

Script example:
“Hey [Name], I really enjoyed working with you on [project]. I’m currently exploring new opportunities and would be grateful if you could share a short recommendation on LinkedIn.”

Action: Aim for 2-3 credible testimonials. These build authority and improve how you show up online.

Social proof isn’t just for products - it builds trust in people

What to Avoid

🚫 Ignoring your digital footprint and hoping no one looks
🚫 Leaving old, inactive accounts open with public content
🚫 Over-editing or faking content (authenticity matters)
🚫 Assuming a great resume is enough

Final Thought

Job seekers today are judged on more than experience – they’re judged on search results, profiles, and digital presence. That’s the reality. But it’s also your opportunity.

Start with these simple, free steps. Take back control of your narrative. Shape how people see you before you ever walk into the interview.

And if you’re ready to go beyond the basics – Buzz Dealer helps professionals elevate their digital footprint with custom strategies, media visibility, and personal brand optimization.

Get in touch for a free consultation and let’s make sure your next employer finds the best version of you online.