By Liam Jones 
You’ve updated your resume ten times. You’ve tweaked the bullet points, added strong action verbs, maybe even paid someone to write it for you. And still—crickets. No callbacks. No interviews. You’re starting to wonder: Is it me? Is my experience not enough?
Here’s the truth: your resume probably isn’t the issue.
The real problem? Your online presence doesn’t back it up.
In today’s job market, hiring managers don’t just read your resume—they Google you. They check your LinkedIn, scan your social posts, and sometimes even peek at your side projects or content online. If what they find (or don’t find) doesn’t reinforce the story your resume tells, they move on.
Here’s why your online presence matters more than ever—and how to fix it.
1. Hiring Managers Are Internet Sleuths Now
A recent study found that over 70% of recruiters screen candidates through social media. Your resume might say “strong communicator” and “team leader,” but if your LinkedIn is bare or out-of-date, that message falls flat. If your social media is set to private and you have no professional footprint? Even worse—it’s like you don’t exist.
Your resume is your pitch. But your online presence is the proof.
2. LinkedIn Isn’t Optional—It’s Your Living Resume
Let’s be clear: LinkedIn is no longer optional, even if you’re not actively job hunting. A strong LinkedIn profile does three things:
Confirms you’re a real, engaged professional.
Gives context to your resume—your personality, values, and interests.
Makes it easy for recruiters to find you, not just evaluate you.
What you need to do right now:
Upload a professional photo (no blurry vacation selfies).
Write a headline that says more than just your job title. Use this space to show who you help and how.
Craft a summary that feels like a human wrote it. What drives you? What are you great at?
List achievements, not just duties—with metrics if you have them.
Bonus points: post occasionally. Comment on others’ content. Share an article you found helpful. Every little interaction builds visibility.
3. No Portfolio? Build One Anyway
“But I’m not a designer,” you might say. That doesn’t matter.
Whether you’re a project manager, marketing analyst, HR generalist, or operations lead, you can still build a portfolio. Think of it as a living collection of your impact.
Include:
Case studies of projects you’ve led or contributed to.
Slide decks you created (sanitized for confidentiality).
Blog posts, public speaking, or workshop materials.
Screenshots of dashboards, workflows, or process improvements.
This could live on a personal website or even just a Google Drive folder linked in your resume or LinkedIn. The goal? Show your thinking, not just your job title.
4. Your Social Media Says More Than You Think
You don’t need to scrub your Instagram clean or start tweeting career tips every day. But if your accounts are public, assume employers will see them.
Ask yourself:
Would I hire me based on this feed?
Do my posts align with the professional image I want to project?
Am I showcasing interests or activities that support my career goals?
And if you’re in a content-friendly field—marketing, comms, design, education—your public posts can help you. Even a casual, well-thought-out thread about a lesson learned at work can draw positive attention.
5. The Hidden Power of Google Results
Type your name into Google. What shows up?
If it’s nothing, that’s not neutral—it’s negative. Today, visibility equals credibility. You don’t need to go viral. But being findable, consistent, and relevant across platforms builds trust.
Here’s how to shape your Google footprint:
Create a free personal site via Carrd, Wix, or Notion.
Fill out public bios with keywords from your field.
Guest post, comment, or contribute to industry blogs or LinkedIn articles.
Set up Google Alerts for your name to track what pops up.
Final Thoughts: Your Career Brand Isn’t Just a Title—It’s a Narrative
Your resume tells one version of your story. But in 2025, employers expect a multi-channel narrative. That means your LinkedIn, online portfolio, and digital behavior need to back up and expand your resume’s claims.
So next time you’re frustrated by the job hunt, remember:
Maybe it’s not your resume.
Maybe it’s time to Google yourself—and get intentional about what shows up.
🔧 Quick Action Checklist:
Update LinkedIn photo, headline, and summary.
Create a small portfolio or work archive (Notion or Google Drive is fine!).
Review your social posts—highlight or hide as needed.
Google yourself and take control of the first-page results.
Share one professional thought online this week.
Your online presence is your new first impression. Make it count.