30 April 2009
Tech Tips: Google Profile
It is naive to think that recruiters dont take 2 mins to type an applicant’s name into a Google search. So Google’s new service, which claims to help you control how your identity is portrayed by the search engine, sounds pretty important.
Of course, it is also naive to think that putting that kind personal information up there is risk free, just because you’re using the big G. Wired has written a small piece on what they think is a blatant play by Google for even greater monitoring of your internet behaviour.
Personally, I think that Google Profiles is probably worth a go for Grads. The benefit of having some control over the first hit that shows up when you Google your name is too good to pass up. However, there are dangers and like anything internet related you need to be careful what you put up there.
For example, if the whole point of using Google Profile is to make sure recruiters dont see your personal Facebook stuff – dont link your Facebook account to your Google Profile. Likewise with Twitter, which is perhaps even more dangerous.
Also, Google Profiles allows you an option of putting in your ’superpowers’ and also listing ‘what you cant find on Google’. Essentially this is just a fun way to differentiate yourself from the other people that might share your same name. It’s a good opportunity to be clever, but be careful not to be too clever. If in doubt, just leave it blank. Whatever you do, don’t write something dumb up there. Your ‘extreme fart-power’ might be a funny injoke with your friends – but it’s no good here.
Also, when differentiating yourself feel free to put in some of your interests. If you’re a part of a local sporting team, or you’ve created a community fan site for regular goers at the local blue light disco (or whatever it is that kids do these days) it might be a good idea to link their websites to your Google Profile. Remember recruiters like to see that you have a personality and this can be a good way to show that you’re more than the two dimensional ‘model applicant’.
But don’t get carried away with it. I think that Google Profiles can be useful as long as it is treated as a professional resource. Consider it a first impression. You’re at a cocktail party and you randomly meet someone – you have no idea who they are or what opportunities they might be able to present to you – would you immediately start talking about your crazy weekend with the strippers? Would you show them the photos?
No. You wouldn’t.
Google Profiles essentially is that first impression. Keep it warm and friendly, absolutely. You need to create a connection there. But don’t go overboard. Identify yourself, spruce yourself up a little bit and leave it there. If they want to know more – they can now contact you.
I’m not well versed enough in the internets to understand all the dangers here. I’m fully aware that internet based market research is progressing to a place far beyond where the everyday person thinks it’s at. It may be that in years to come, when Google has a complete profile on me and my lamp shade collecting fetishes, I will come to curse the day I ever signed up to their services. But I’m willing to take that risk.
I think that if you’re willing take the risk too, then Google Profiles might be offering a helpful service.
Related posts:
- Tech Tips: The Dangers of Facebook
- Tech Tips: Google Goodies #2 – Google Reader
- Tech Tips: Google Goodies #3 – Google Docs
- Tech Tips: Google Goodies #1 – GMail
- Tech Tips: Booko
