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If you want to advance in your career, one of the best ways to do that is by appearing online. These days, employers are looking online. Employers use professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to look for job candidates. 

Not only that, but building an online presence can help grow your network beyond the office or region where you work. Online communities and social media allow you to interact with others in your field — regardless of location. With a stronger network in your field, you open yourself up to more job opportunities and visibility in your industry. 

So why not create an online personal brand to help advance your career? Creating an online presence can help you stand out from others in your field. When applying for a higher position, having an online presence shapes what employers see when they look you up online. Curating an online presence shows creativity and allows future employers to learn about you beyond a resume. Your online persona can be someone’s first impression of you. 

Here’s how you can create a captivating online presence:  

1. Introduce yourself, your values, and your skills. Think about the company you want to work for and what values are important to you. 

• What skills can you offer to companies and teams in the future? 
   
• Why do you enjoy working in your field? 
   
• What motivates you to do what you are doing? 

2. Cater your online presence to your employers. Find creative ways to display your skill set and set high expectations of what you can bring. 

• For example, if you are a graphic designer, showcase your graphics portfolio on a website or social media. 
   
• If you are a project manager, write case studies about projects you have taken from inception to completion. 
   
• Make sure to keep written statistics of the achievements you accomplish at work. 

3. Join communities or websites related to your field. By joining communities related to your field, you open yourself up to potential job opportunities in the future or a colleague you can go to when you are looking for advice. 

• Actively participate and network at online seminars in your field to create a make your presence known. 
   
• Find and interact with others in your field on social media in a professional space like LinkedIn or Twitter. 
   
• Find an online community, such as a LinkedIn group or Facebook group, where you can network with others, offer support, or ask questions. 
   

4. Create content or personal projects. Displaying content or personal projects shows your dedication to improving your skills. It might also show unique skills like problem-solving, sales, or customer service. 
    

5. Add credibility through testimonials or reviews. Testimonials or reviews give social proof to potential employers of the strengths you can bring to the job. Ask employers and colleagues to send personal testimonials through email or LinkedIn so you can show the assets you will bring to an organization. 
    

The more you invest in your online presence, the more potential employers can imagine how well you would fit within their company culture. 

Everyone applying for the next job will submit a resume and cover letter. These things can display your skills and work experience, but developing an online presence can also show your personality and values. 

You can stand out from the other applicants by developing an online presence. Future employers can get an insight into your values, personality, and work ethic – and get to know you on a deeper level than they would by reading your resume. 

Your work to build an online presence will undoubtedly leave a positive impression on future employers and help you advance in your career!