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Unless you’ve been living under a rProfile cork boardock for the past 5 years, you probably have several social network profiles scattered across the Web on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Your MySpace profile—in all its ugly, custom-HTML glory—may even still be alive and kicking.

 

These networks are all very different, but online profiles in general have one major thing in common: They’re a very public way to personify yourself online. This means your profiles can either help or hurt your career depending on what you decide to share. Here are 5 ways to ensure your profiles help your professional life.

 

1. Check out my sweet headshot: Upload a clear profile photo

It’s important to post a clear, recognizable, and appropriate profile photo. It will help people recognize you when they try to find your profile and is a virtual first impression for people you haven’t met.

2. It all started at Dairy Queen: Include current and past jobs

LinkedIn isn’t the only place where your work history can be valuable. Listing past employers on all of your profiles helps you expand your network and sparks conversation within your existing network.