Digital First

Chew on this. In modern times, an in-person impression is formed AFTER a digital impression. (thanks William Arruda for that lightbulb moment at the Career Thought Leaders Consortium conference).

What does this mean?

Are there people that you follow on social platforms—- corporate leaders, influencers, thought leaders? Do you Google someone before a meeting? Do you check out a candidates LinkedIn page before the interview?

Online gives you a glimpse of their life. When you meet someone who you “know” online, you bring a bias. We are susceptible to confirmation bias which involves favoring information that confirms your previously existing beliefs or biases.

Your takeaway? Your personal brand online is more important than it ever has been. If you are not taking your LinkedIn profile and content seriously, then you could be making a bad first impression.

Join the conversation. Check out others thoughts on this topic on LinkedIn:

Author

  • Sarah Johnston

    I’m a former corporate recruiter and industry “insider” who got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the right marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews. I have relocated multiple times across the country as a “trailing spouse” and have had to execute job searches in completely cold markets (where I literally knew no one!) I have been named a LinkedIn Top Voice in the career space in 2019, HR Weekly’s Top 100 Most Influential People in HR, named the owner of the “best resume writing firm for experienced executives” by Balance Careers and a “top follow” by JobScan in 2019 and 2020.

Sarah Johnston

Sarah Johnston is a former corporate recruiter and industry "insider" with a passion for empowering high-achievers in their career journeys. Frustrated by talented individuals being overlooked due to ineffective marketing documents and interview strategies, Sarah made it her mission to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to succeed. As a seasoned "trailing spouse" who relocated multiple times, she understands the challenges of executing job searches in unfamiliar markets. Sarah's expertise and impact have earned her recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2019 and a spot on HR Weekly's Top 100 Most Influential People in HR. Her resume writing firm has been acclaimed as the best for experienced executives by Balance Careers, while JobScan listed her as a top follow in 2019 and 2020.

Need focused coaching time?

Let’s get started