Taken as a whole, the research and theory about online self-presentation suggests three practices for improving your online self-presentation. First, keep in mind that online communication is dominated by visual information such as text, photos, and videos. Make wise choices in the words and images you select to present yourself to others. For example, many female managers know they’re more likely than their male peers to be judged solely on appearance, so they post photos of themselves that convey professionalism (Miller & Arnold, 2001).

Second, always remember the important role that warranting value plays in shaping others’ impressions of you. The simple rule is what others say about you online is more important than what you say about yourself. Consequently, be wary of allowing messages and wall postings on your personal Web pages that contradict the self you want to present, or that cast you in a negative light—even if you think such messages and postings are cute, funny, or provocative.

Finally, subject your online self-presentation to what I call the interview test: ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable sharing all elements of this presentation—photos, personal profiles, videos, blogs—in a job interview?” If your answer is no, modify your current online self-presentation immediately. In a survey of 1,200 human resources professionals and recruiters, 78 percent reported using search engines to screen candidates, while 63 percent reported perusing social networking sites (Balderrama, 2010).