Just like online personal branding, the picture above depicts a racetrack where drivers compete for first place: to be known, to be heard, to be respected. It also shows that computers are completely transparent. The value you get from the web reflects the effort and contributions you make to it. So don’t let yourself stall out on the track or wait too long in the pit! Get out there and create an online identity worthy of remark.

For all you job seekers out there, even if you don’t want to admit it, you know employers are looking for you online when you apply for a job. Put yourself in their shoes: wouldn’t you want to know as much about a new potential employee before spending the money to bring them in for an interview? Employers want you just as badly as you want them, so why not make it easier for them to find and hire you?

If you’ve created your online identity through a personal professional website or a blog, what compelled you to do it? FEAR that employers might find something that would make them think twice about hiring you? Or was it that you knew there was a NEED to create your online identity and took a proactive approach to make sure it got done?

There are currently 36 billion searches on Google every month. How many relevant links are about you on the first page of Google when you search your name?

In the worst case scenario, if your power goes out or your modem dies, most people don’t know what to do with themselves without Internet access. They feel cut off from the rest of the world. So ask yourself these questions right now, assuming you will lose access to the Internet for an extended period of time:

• Do you have a “backup” of yourself online (such as your own URL) to represent you when you can’t?
• Is your current online identity strong enough to create some buzz of interest if found?
• Would your online identity be comprehensive enough to answer any questions an employer might have?

The vast majority of people know that there are things that need to be done in life, but don’t do it until they HAVE too. By this point it can be too late, as everyone will come to the same realization. You’ll be just a number, someone who came late to the party.

This post is some some food for thought to get you back up on the horse and riding in the right direction. In tough times like these, wouldn’t you want to make sure you do all you can to increase your chances of getting a job?