Miriam Salpeter

If you have an ear to the online sphere, you know Google+,
Google’s newest social platform, is all the rage. While Google+ is
still in invitation-only mode, early results indicate it could be a
keeper. The Wall Street Journal estimates Google+ had 20 million visitors in three weeks. (Google declines to comment, and leaders are cagey when asked for specifics.)

Many early adopters are excitedly proclaiming the new network a
replacement for everything from LinkedIn to Twitter to Facebook. No one
knows how things will shake out in the social networking sphere, but
there is no doubt Google+ heightens the importance of your Google
profile.

If you use Google for search and have a profile already, you may have
noticed Google provides search results “from people you know.” Current
Google search results may include links (even on page one) identified
as being shared by your community, assuming your contacts share links
regarding the topics you search. They pass along these links by giving
articles +1, Google’s version of a Facebook “like.”

Whether or not you choose to join Google+, Google’s ability to
connect your profile with searches and the fact that more recruiters may
begin to search Google profiles for people to hire make your Google profile an important and powerful tool in your online arsenal.

[See 10 Ways to Use Social Media in Your Job Search.]

If you do incorporate Google+ into your online activities, a profile
you may not have taken much time to update becomes the backbone of what
could be a very visible presence in Google+. It is worth taking the time
now either to create or update your Google profile to be sure it
represents information you want people to know about you. If you do join
Google+, the network uses your profile to populate your bio.

The good thing is, most of your Google Profile is similar to pieces
of your other online profiles, so if you’ve written strong messages on
other networks, you will be able to transfer the information to Google.
Take a look at the following suggestions to make sure you represent
yourself professionally in the newest social network. Start out by
visiting Google profiles.

Add your name and gender. This information will be public and available to anyone on the Web.

First things first, add a photo for your profile. Conventional wisdom
suggests using the same avatar you use for other social networks, so
potential followers will easily recognize you.

[See How Using the Right Photo Online Can Help Your Career.]

If you’re familiar with Facebook’s home profile page, you will
recognize a similar photo layout on your Google profile; you may display
several photos at the top of your profile. Select pictures that
represent you at your professional best. In my Google+ profile, I include a picture of me with my book about social networking, a photo from my visit to Maggie Mistal’s SIRIUS/XM radio program,
and a shot of me speaking. Think about what images would best represent
your professional brand. Consider taking some pictures specifically
with the goal of populating your profile.

In the “introduction,” you have an opportunity to include your
“pitch.” It’s your Google bio, and could be very similar or the same as
what you use in your LinkedIn “summary.”

Make sure you keep your target audience in mind when you populate
this section. There’s no need to wax eloquent—get to the point and include keywords that describe your professional assets.

“Bragging rights” suggests including some tongue-in-cheek
information, such as “survived high school.” Don’t be frivolous when
writing a professional profile; include awards and accolades pertinent
to your professional targets. It’s a good idea to fill out this section,
but unless you’re in a creative profession, avoid trying to be funny.

“Occupation” can be your job title or description. Especially if
you’re unemployed, consider using a description similar to your headline
on LinkedIn. Download the free sample chapter of my book for
suggestions of what to write in a headline for LinkedIn and Google.
Google uses this description as your “tagline” on your Google+ profile
under your name, so it’s an important addition.

“Employment” offers a chance to list your work history. It doesn’t
allow more description than your place of work, title, and dates. It’s a
good idea to fill it in completely, as it will help people find and
identify you down the road. Be sure to be careful with dates. This
information should be consistent with all of your other online profiles
(specifically, LinkedIn), and your resume. Include links to any other
sites you own and use. Include profiles for social networks such as
Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook (assuming it’s all professional). Add
links to your professional websites/social resumes.

“Education” asks for your school names, degree (or field of study),
and dates. Make sure these dates are consistent with other online and
job application materials. You don’t want to raise any red flags with
prospective employers who find your Google profile during a search.

[See How to Use Twitter to Change Careers.]

“Places you’ve lived” may be less important than your other
information, unless you want to highlight international experience or
some other geographically focused identity in your profile. How you
fill out the sections at the end is up to you. Don’t feel compelled to
list a phone number unless you want it to be available.

It’s a good idea to list nicknames or maiden names (to help with
search). As for the “looking for” section, consider keeping it
professional. It’s not really necessary for people to know if you are
seeking a relationship or not. “Networking” is a great reply.

Note, Mashable reports, beginning August 1st, all Google profiles will be public
and Google will delete private profiles. However, your full name and
gender are the only information you must share to maintain a profile
with Google. If your profile is set to “private,” be sure to re-visit
your settings if you don’t want it to be deleted.

Miriam Salpeter is a job search and social media consultant, career coach, author, speaker, resume writer and owner of Keppie Careers. She is author of Social Networking for Career Success. Miriam teaches job seekers and entrepreneurs how to incorporate social media tools along with traditional strategies to empower their success. Connect with her via Twitter @Keppie_Careers.