Your digital footprint is the trail of information on the Internet about you. This could include a profile and posts on social media site such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok etc., photographs that you, your friends or family have posted online, anything you have written or that has been written about you, for instance on discussion boards, blogs, or in articles. Much of what is available on the Internet will be accessible indefinitely. Even though you deactivate your accounts, the information may still be retrieved by others.
Social media is an excellent tool for keeping in touch with friends, family, and for online learning - your digital footprint offers many advantages. However, it is also very important to be aware of how the use of social media can affect our digital footprint.
Many employers investigate the online identities of job applicants, is there anything in your online presence that might put a potential employer off? Potential employers have also been known to reject applicants on the basis of information discovered online.
Imagine what someone searching the web might find out about you? Try a search and see what you discover, practise honing your search skills, if you have a popular name, by adding your town etc., use a few different Internet browsers. Were you surprised by the results?
Create the digital profile that shows the best version of you – how you want to be portrayed. Use your social media presence to show your expertise in a given subject. Tailor your profile to demonstrate your knowledge and passion.
Contact your Teaching and Engagement Librarian for help and advice.
Your Teaching and Engagement Librarians
Library Services Training on Moodle (login required)
In this training area on Moodle you will find resources to guide you on mapping your digital footprint and help you start thinking about how you manage it. Today's world is increasingly digital and online, managing your online identity effectively can help you in all aspects of life, including your career, learning and research.
Careers Service Employability Support
The Careers Service can help you with your job search, CV and LinkedIn Profile, job applications and interview practice. The Team can also help you to work out what a future employer might be looking for in candidates and how you can demonstrate relevant skills and experience, including how you portray yourself online.
You can find lots more information and support on the Careers Moodle page and the Careers Portal, or drop in to speak to the team in the Careers Hub in the Davison Building.
Social networking and graduate recruitment: manage your online reputation, from TargetJobs
Your Digital Footprint and How to Audit it from Jobs.ac.uk.
The University of Edinburgh has a useful free online course: Digital Footprint MOOC covering topics such as why your digital footprint matters, and what you can do to make your online presence more effective.
