10 Digital Presence Mistakes That Cost Job Offers
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In today’s job market, your online presence is your first impression. Whether you’re a student fresh out of university, a recent graduate, or a young professional building your career in the Philippines, how you show up online can make or break your chances of landing that dream role.
At Connect by PRAX, we work closely with job seekers to help them build polished, professional, and share-worthy digital profiles using NFC cards and QR-ready smart technology. And we’ve seen it all.
Here are 10 common digital mistakes that even the most brilliant candidates make, and how to fix them starting today.
1. Being a Digital Ghost
“Why are you making me Google you?”
— Deepali Vyas, 25-year corporate headhunter
If a hiring manager can’t find you online, or worse, they find an outdated LinkedIn profile with a blurry photo and no information, they move on fast. Your digital footprint should be clear, current, and confident.
What to do:
Keep your LinkedIn updated
Add a professional headshot
Make your resume accessible
2. Unprofessional or Embarrassing Content
A recruiter might not follow you on social media, but they will check your profile if you're shortlisted. Photos implying drug use, hate speech, or anything questionable can cost you an offer.
What to do:
Set your privacy settings wisely
Audit old posts
Think before you post: “Would I show this to an employer?”
3. Generic LinkedIn Headlines
“Marketing Student” or “Open to Opportunities” doesn’t say enough. Your headline is prime real estate. It should clearly state what you do and the value you bring.
What to do:
Use this format: Role | Skills | Value
Example: Digital Marketing Graduate | SEO & Social Media | Helping Startups Grow Online
4. Skipping the LinkedIn Summary
This is your chance to tell your story beyond the bullet points. Yet, many skip it entirely. That silence can cost you interview opportunities.
What to do:
Write in first person
Summarize your journey, skills, and goals
End with a call to action like connecting or visiting your digital profile
5. Only Listing Job Titles
“Intern at XYZ Corp” is a start. But what did you actually do? What impact did you make?
What to do:
Use action words like created, launched, improved
Quantify results like “Increased social engagement by 30 percent”
List key tools used such as Canva, Google Ads, Python
6. No Social Proof (Recommendations)
You may have worked hard, but if no one is vouching for you, recruiters will wonder why. Strong recommendations boost credibility and trust, especially in a competitive market.
What to do:
Ask former professors, supervisors, or classmates for short testimonials
Offer to write them one in return
Display testimonials on your Connect profile and LinkedIn
7. Missing Skills Section
LinkedIn uses your listed skills to match you to jobs. If you haven’t filled out that section, your profile might not even show up in recruiter searches.
What to do:
Add at least 10 to 15 relevant skills
Focus on technical and industry-specific ones
Update regularly as you learn more
8. Inactive or Absent on LinkedIn
Not engaging at all can make you appear disconnected or uninterested in your industry.
What to do:
Like or comment on posts from industry leaders
Share helpful content or insights
Spend 10 to 15 minutes a week staying active
9. Using Buzzwords Without Substance
“Team player,” “hardworking,” “passionate” mean nothing unless backed by real results.
What to do:
Avoid fluff. Use examples
Instead of “motivated,” say “Completed Google Analytics Certification while managing two freelance projects”
Use concrete numbers or outcomes where possible
10. No Clear Career Direction
A scattered LinkedIn profile confuses recruiters. Are you a writer, an analyst, or an aspiring designer? If your direction isn’t clear, they’ll hesitate to move forward.
What to do:
Align your headline, summary, and experience with your career goals
Add a one-liner in your summary: “Currently exploring roles in e-commerce growth and SEO”
Keep your Connect card updated with this same message for consistency
Final Thoughts
You could be the most talented applicant in the world, but if your online presence doesn’t reflect that, employers won’t take the chance.
These aren’t just minor mistakes. They are lost opportunities.
The good news is that every one of these is fixable. With the right tools, you can go from overlooked to unforgettable.
Let’s Connect
Connect by PRAX is here to help you build a digital presence that employers respect and remember. With our NFC-enabled digital profile cards and expert services in personal branding, website building, Shopify setup, SEO, and automation, we help you grow your network and showcase your best self.
Don’t let small digital mistakes cost you big career opportunities.
Ready to stand out? Let’s Connect.