Your internet presence probably goes back at least a decade, which means there's a huge collection of photos, posts, and data floating around. Just scrolling through old Facebook posts from middle school can be a cringe-worthy experience—so imagine what a potential employer might think if they do the same.   

Most of us share a good portion of our lives online—whether it's on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or even older platforms like MySpace (because what's posted on the internet tends to stay on the internet). The problem? We often forget that the internet is public and don’t always consider what our posts say about us. Many companies and employers Google candidates before hiring, and some even monitor employees' social media long after they’ve been hired. In recent years, we've seen many cases of people getting fired over old social media posts, sometimes from months or even years ago.  

That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful of what’s online about you. This is especially important in January and February, the most common months for job seekers, when hiring managers are actively reviewing candidates' online presence. 

Here are some key steps to cleaning up your digital footprint.  

What to Look For in Your Social Media  

If any of these apply to you, it may be time for a social media cleanup:

• Abusive Content
  If your feed is full of **arguments, rants, or strong opinions**, you may come across as overly negative. While social media is a great place to share thoughts, consider making opinion-heavy posts **private** or **limiting** what you share publicly.  
• Adult Content
  A casual beach photo is one thing, but revealing selfies or inappropriate pictures can create the wrong impression. Even if you share privately, posts can be screenshotted and reposted. A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t want your grandma to see it, don’t post it. 
• Illegal Content
  Even a joke about illegal activities could cost you a job. If authorities find credible evidence of illegal behavior on your social media, it could impact background checks or even lead to legal trouble.  
• Offensive Content
  Racism, sexism, homophobia, and discrimination should have no place in your life—or on your social media. Even if it was “just a joke,” these kinds of posts can be instantly damaging to your reputation and career. Many employees have been fired over offensive content.  
• Profanity & Unprofessional Language
  Occasional strong language isn’t a dealbreaker, but frequent profanity-filled posts can make a bad impression. Potential employers may assume this reflects how you communicate in professional settings.  

Google Yourself: What’s Out There?  

Ever wondered what’s online about you? A quick **Google search of your name** can reveal more than you think. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Search Your Name in Quotes: Try different variations, such as:
   "Jane Doe"
   "Jane May Doe"
   "Jane Doe Kingfisher"
2. Search Your Email and Phone Number
   See if they’re linked to any public accounts or directories.  
3. Check Address Aggregators
   Websites like Whitepages and Instant Checkmate collect public data, including voter registration, property deeds, and court records.  

If you find something you don’t like, you can request removal from certain sites or use a paid privacy service like DeleteMe to have your information scrubbed from major databases.  

Your social media history matters more than ever, especially in today’s job market. A post you made years ago could affect your opportunities today. Regularly review and clean up your online presence to ensure your digital footprint reflects the best version of you.