The recent news of high-profile data breaches has IT professionals reminding us of the importance of protecting our personal information. Data breaches are costly to both companies and individuals. If you have ever experienced a personal data breach you know how much time (and hassle!) it takes to clear up the situation.
Where is your career data stored? Is is current? Is it secure? Can you access it with ease?
If you are exploring a new position or promotion, you are busy. A commonly overlooked task is ensuring the security of your career data. Knowing the location of your data, ensuring it is current and accessing it with ease is important. When you can access your information quickly, people view you as prepared, organized and on top of your personal matters.
Since you are already gathering tax information this time of year, set aside a bit of additional time to gather, update and secure your career data. Then, when you get “the call” you can quickly provide all the information requested. You will be glad you invested the time to ensure your online career data is current, secure and accessible.
Your LinkedIn account is a good place to start. Next, move to your email and company directory bios. Finally, create a list of all your online accounts and move through the list. Use the following six steps to assist you:
1. Change your password. Use different passwords for different sites.
2. Review and update your “Privacy Settings.”
3. Update your email or digest settings; turn off those you don’t need or use.
4. Verify your contact information. Update as appropriate.
5. Check your links to websites and other accounts. Update as needed.
6. Read your profile. Update as needed.
Final tip — take out your calendar and add an appointment in 90 days to review your information. Maintaining your career data by setting regular appointments creates a simple habit that reduces stress and worry.
Does your LinkedIn profile need a little TLC? Contact me to set up a LinkedIn profile review.
As always @Cindy – GREAT advice!
Linkedin is such an underused social media site. It has so much to offer and I love that 90 day review tip ~ looks like I’ll be going back over to mine to do that!
Great tips for protecting one’s personal data. And, I would like to remind business owners to also take steps to protect their sites as well.