What appears when you Google your name?

Everyone has looked up themselves at least once.

Maybe you were hoping to discover a hidden celebrity connection, only to find someone with the same name living across the world. Maybe Google asked, “Did you mean…?” and humbled you instantly.

But as we grow into post-secondary students and future professionals, searching your own names starts to mean something different.

Your Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or even forgotten accounts can become some of the first things people see about you online.

And then comes the scary question:

What kind of first impression does that create?

Your digital presence has become one of the biggest extensions of who you are. Employers, recruiters and internship coordinators often search candidates online to learn more about them beyond a resume. They look for credibility, professionalism, involvement and sometimes even personality.

Whether we realize it or not, online presence can shape opportunities before we even walk into an interview.

So here’s why it matters and how you can make your first impression the best version of yourself.

How employers use your online presence

A woman interviewing two other candidates — *Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash*

Think of your digital footprint as your background information. Before meeting you, employers may look online to:

Verify the experiences listed on your resume
See your involvement in campus clubs, volunteering experience or projects you have worked on
Past affiliations, if any
Assess your professionalism
Learn more about who you are outside of academics and work

It’s all about learning and understanding the person behind the application before they walk in for an interview.

A strong online presence can actually work in your favour. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile, good leadership experiences, portfolios or even side projects can help employers see your ambition and proactiveness.

At the same time, outdated or inappropriate content can sometimes create the absolute opposite effect, which is why it is crucial to maintain a good online presence.

A face to the name

markers kept next to "hello my name is:" stickers — *Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash*

One thing students often overlook is how much a profile photo matters.

Having a clear, updated and professional-looking photo immediately makes your online presence feel more polished and trustworthy. It helps employers put a face to the name and creates a stronger sense of credibility.

That doesn’t mean you need a corporate photoshoot in a three-piece suit. It just means choosing a photo that reflects how you’d want to present yourself professionally.

Trust me, that blurry, zoomed-in and cropped group photo from 2019 isn’t doing you any favors.

With graduation season here, this is also the perfect time to refresh your online presence with an updated headshot. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, portfolios or future job applications, a professional grad photo can go a long way in helping you make a strong first impression online.

Grad photo sessions are currently running through this summer, making it the perfect opportunity to finally replace that old profile picture with one that the future-you will actually thank you for. So, what are you waiting for? Book your slots today!

Do’s

A picture of a running event with the main focus on the volunteer team — *Photo by Roman Synkevych on Unsplash*

Here are some Do’s to maintain when creating a digital presence:

Keep your profiles updated: An inactive LinkedIn with information from your first year doesn’t reflect who you are now. Make sure to update your experiences with proper descriptions, list your interests and achievements, and obtain recommendations when possible.
Google yourself: Search up your own name and see where Google takes you. This will help you better understand what others might see first.
Highlight involvements: When you don’t have work experience, clubs, volunteer work and group projects all help build a much stronger digital presence.
Think before posting: If ever in doubt when posting something, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable explaining this in a professional setting?

Simple habits like these can help you maintain and build credibility for your digital presence. Practice these and your profile will speak for itself.

Don’ts

a file icon selected and being "Move to Bin" — *Photo by Kajetan Sumila on Unsplash*

While there are things we must do to maintain a good profile, there are also some things we should avoid to keep up a good impression.

Don’t leave everything public: Not every account needs to be visible to the public. If you wish to make your account private and limit the visibility to only certain people, review the privacy settings on each account.
Don’t ignore old content: Old posts, usernames or photos can resurface even after a decade. If something no longer represents you or is inappropriate, it’s okay to archive it or remove it.
Don’t underestimate first impressions: Maintain a good first impression, and people often form opinions quickly online. A careless digital footprint can sometimes overshadow strong qualifications.
Don’t try to look “perfect”: Authenticity still matters; employers want to see the real person behind the profile. Showcase your unique personality; the personal touch can help build a genuine connection with the employers.

Next search

People sat outside a store and using their phone — *Photo by Zhen Yao on Unsplash*

Let’s be real, your digital footprint doesn’t need to be perfectly curated or 100 per cent professional. You are still a student, still growing and still figuring things out. As long as your online presence represents you in a way that feels intentional, authentic and respectful of what you want to pursue.

Because in a world where first impressions often happen online, even small things can make a difference, your online presence could help you make it or break it.

So, the next time you type your name into a search bar, take a second to think about what story those results tell.

Feature photo courtesy of sarah b on Unsplash

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