What impression does your digital presence have on your career brand?  

Just as you research employers, the reverse is also true. 70% of employers screen candidates through social networking platforms, checking whether their online presence supports their qualifications, values, and professional persona.  

In an era where workplaces leverage technology to connect and engage, failing to maintain an online career brand may send the wrong message, whether you’re actively job hunting or not. Managing your online presence isn’t just about securing a new career opportunity, it’s about positioning yourself as someone who values credibility, growth, and industry engagement. 

In a region like the South Coast where industries are closely knit and word travels fast, your digital presence is a powerful extension of your career brand. It shows that you value credibility, continuous learning, and staying connected. 

In today’s digital world, online social media platforms like LinkedIn are important for career visibility. It’s important to consider what your online profile says about you. 

Networking is crucial for job seekers building careers in the Shoalhaven 

Claire and Nathan Carson, founders of South Coast Therapy and Support Group, have extensive backgrounds in their respective fields. Claire previously worked for NSW Health, while Nathan was an engineer at Shoalhaven City Council. Together, they actively expand their career-building networks both in person and online. 

For Nathan, tools like LinkedIn have been essential in helping him network online, even during his engineering career. “Back in my engineering role, LinkedIn was a must-have for connecting with others in the industry beyond my immediate workplace,” he explains. “It allowed me to build valuable connections and stay informed on industry trends – even with professionals on the other side of the world.” 

Both Claire and Nathan prioritise maintaining connections with people they meet at local business networking events in Nowra and surrounding areas. However, they recognise that in-person networking isn’t always accessible to everyone. “Think of LinkedIn as Facebook for professionals; it builds on the face-to-face relationships you want to develop” Nathan adds, highlighting how online platforms help them stay engaged with the broader community. 

Online profiles help build your network regionally 

Social media also plays a role in their hiring process. As their business grows, Claire and Nathan use LinkedIn and other social media sites to engage with candidates who align with their values. “Looking at a candidate’s online profile gives us a good sense of their background and professional ethics,” Nathan explains. 

While not having an online career profile won’t automatically disqualify a candidate, Claire and Nathan note that having one is increasingly important in today’s career market. “If a candidate isn’t on LinkedIn, we won’t immediately rule them out, but having one signals they take their career seriously,” Claire explains. “For a therapist, in particular, an updated LinkedIn profile listing relevant work experience is almost like having a digital resume.” 

Top Tips for Regional Career Builders 

Here’s how to ensure your digital career brand is working for, not against you: 

• Audit everything that’s public: Not just LinkedIn. What comes up when someone Googles you? Employers may consider anything they can access. 

• Avoid red flags: Research shows that inappropriate content and poor communication skills online are major turnoffs for business owners and HR Managers. 

• Build your LinkedIn slowly: Claire recommends breaking it into bite-sized updates. “Just spend 5 to 10 minutes at a time. It adds up quicker than you think.” 

Take charge of your Career Brand 

Whether you’re actively looking for a new career opportunity or simply staying abreast of the market, your online presence shapes how others see you, especially in regional career markets where personal and professional networks often overlap. 

A few thoughtful steps now can put you ahead of the curve and position you as a connected, credible, and career-focused professional on the South Coast.