Hi Reader

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers are checking your social media profiles before they even think about picking up the phone. And here’s the kicker—nearly half won’t call you in at all if they can’t find anything about you online.

And whether you’re an executive, a high-level expert, or a consultant, silence is no longer just neutral. It might actually be hurting you.

It’s not limited to social sites either. 66% are using search engines to fill in the blanks. Nearly half admit they’re less likely to interview someone who doesn’t show up online at all.

Let that sink in.

Having no presence is now a liability.

We used to think of social media as optional. But today? It’s your digital first impression — and it often speaks before you do.

What Companies Are Actually Looking For

Here’s what they want to see when they Google you:

• Proof of skills and experience (58%)
• A professional online persona (50%)
• Signals of credibility from others (34%)

Sure, some are looking for reasons not to hire. But many are just trying to answer a simple question:

Is this person who they say they are?

The Myth of the “Private” Professional

I hear this all the time:

“I don’t want to post online. I’m private.”

Totally fair. But let me tell you this — privacy and invisibility are two different things.

You can be intentional without oversharing. You don’t need to post your dinner or your dog. You need to show what you bring to the table.

That could be:

• A thoughtful LinkedIn profile
• Articles or posts that show your thinking
• Recommendations that speak to your work
• A simple one-page site with your story

In today’s market, not shaping your narrative is still shaping it — just not in your favor.

How to Start Showing Up Intentionally

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I want to be seen for who I really am,” then it’s time to stop hiding and start building.

Here’s a simple framework I use with clients:

1. Google yourself. What shows up? What’s missing? What doesn’t align?
2. Who are you? What do you care about? What problems do you solve? Make that front and center.
3. A polished LinkedIn profile can go a long way. Bonus if you write a few posts to showcase your expertise.
4. You don’t need to post daily. But showing up with intention a few times a month? That makes a difference.

Most people won’t tell you this, but the hiring process — whether you’re an executive, a high-level expert, or a consultant — starts way before the resume. It starts when someone searches your name.

So ask yourself:

What story is the internet telling about me?

And is it the story I want it to tell?

If not, it’s time to change it.

You deserve to be seen for who you really are.

Let’s make sure the right people are paying attention.

Join the challenge that starts next Monday, May 26th.

🔜Join the 7-Day Build Your Personal Brand Online with AI Challenge

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Cheers,

Daria

P.S. I regularly post behind-the-scenes lessons, tools, and stories from my work with teams on LinkedIn. If we’re not connected yet, follow me here—I’d love to keep the conversation going.

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