Microsoft researcher Gordon Bell said in a CNN interview “By about 2020, our entire life histories will be online and searchable.”

What does that mean?

Everything you do online is archived: on social networks, bulletin boards, websites and Google’s constantly growing collection pages. Sites like WayBackMachine.com actually keep records of old versions of websites, saving information that was supposedly removed.

People will get the first impression about you by what your Google results say. Strong results provide credibility when searched by potential employers or clients.

Think of your activity online as writing in pen, not pencil. Pens are impossible to erase. You are using pens daily for your tweets, for Facebook fan pages comments, for online forum questions, for emails with clients and co-workers, posting family photos on Flickr, etc.

YOU are the one who is leaving a trail behind that everyone will see and judge you on. It’s not late to be careful, deliberate and safe.

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Mohammed Al-Taee, PMP, CCNP, MCITP is a graduate of Alnahrian University and has a Master degree in Computer Engineering. Mohammed is a Career and Personal Branding Strategist for Gen-Y Students and New College Graduates. He is the creator of BrandMyCareer.com and author of BrandingPower Blog. He said “Passion is the Fuel towards Prosperous Career.” Make sure to connect with him on @Twitter

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