My dear friend Google is 10 years old today!  All grown up and still in my mind; the most valuable resource on the internet!  I can’t believe it’s ONLY been ten years. I can’t remember what life was like before Google, but if you are interested to see what they looking like ten years ago visit here: try a search from our early days.  They have certainly made improvements over the years but remain the most reliable search engine to me.

Admittedly, I am a Google junkie, there are very few decisions I make that I don’t first consult my friend; Google. Over the years Google has helped me find my way to places unknown, with accuracy. Google has served more than once as my vacation planner and what to do on those vacations. Google guides job seeker to WiserWorker.com, in an hour of need to help people find jobs.   Let’s not forget without Google alerts I would be lost.  Google keeps me informed, it’s their job and they do it well.

So thank you Google you are my light in a dim room of questions!

Happy Birthday and here’s to many more years to come

Have you Googled your name? These days the results that do or don’t come up for your name could very well make or break the decision on whether or not you get the job. So let’s say you search for your name and either nothing comes up or some negative things come up. Now what?

1. Try various versions of your name. Full name with middle initial, nickname (i.e. Steve, vs. Steven) You want to see what information is out there. Usually the name you put on your resume is the name that will be searched in Google. You can avoid or draw attention to certain search results based on what name you use on your resume.

2. Use Current & Create Profiles Online. One way to deal with bad or no press is to bury it with the information you want people to see. Utlize sites like LinkedIn, HiredIn, ZoomInfo, Emurse and other sites that allow you to create professional profiles and include your experience and expertise information. Manage your privacy settings on MySpace or Facebook for less than professional items. You don’t have to remove everything - employers understand that you have a life outside of your day job - but make sure inappropriate material is not available.

3. Start Discussing. How can you distinguish yourself in your industry? You can browse LinkedIn Answers, participate in discussions on a industry-specific forum where you can showcase your expertise, comment on blogs or start your own. These are great ways to boost your search results.

4. Stay On Top of Things. Sign up for Google Alerts to get emails when a new search result shows up with your name in it. Knowing is half the battle, right? So this way you can be prepared and know what is out there.

This post was originally posted at the Atlanta’s Job Spot. Photo credit to sbblackley.