Reclaim Your Good Name on the Web
Searches can churn up hits that make you blush -- or cost you a job.

A careless comment in your blog (or in someone else's). An embarrassing incident recounted in your local newspaper. A racy photo on MySpace. Any of these can sully your virtual reputation.
A recent survey by ExecuNet, a networking organization for business leaders, found that 83% of executives and corporate recruiters research job candidates online, and 43% have eliminated a candidate based on search results. Even if you're not in the market for a new job, it's a good idea to take the opportunity to clean skeletons out of your digital closet.
Row 0 - Cell 0 | Recession Proof Careers |
Row 1 - Cell 0 | Why Networking Is Overrated |
Row 2 - Cell 0 | More Career Advice |
Do it yourself. First, search for yourself on Google to pinpoint any negative hits you'd like to remove. You may not be able to destroy them, but you can at least bump them down the list. Check other search engines.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Your goal is to highlight positives about yourself. Set up accounts at networking Web sites, such as MySpace and Linked-In, or create a blog in which you write about something uplifting -- say, your exotic-bird-watching hobby. On each site you create, include links to the others. That will push them higher on Google's results list. "To Google, links are like votes," says Ben Padnos, of Done SEO, which helps clients optimize for search engines. "It's a popularity contest."
Still stuck in the virtual muck? To dig yourself out, you may have to get a pro to create new Web pages that accentuate your positives. Figure that it will cost at least $1,000 to bump all the negative hits off your first three search-results pages. But prices vary according to the number of hits and how difficult they are to move, so shop aggressively. Start your search at DefendMyName.com and Internet-Reputation-Management.com.
Keep tabs on your reputation by setting up a Google alert for your name. You'll receive an e-mail with a link whenever your name pops up on a new page.
For a more powerful search, Reputation Defender offers a $10-per-month service that captures pages on sites that don't get picked up by Google, such as Facebook and tiny, low-traffic sites. Founder Michael Fertik says the service is a hit. "People consider it their new credit report."
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
AI-Powered Smart Glasses Set to Make a Bigger Splash
The Kiplinger Letter Meta leads the way with its sleek, fashionable smart glasses, but Apple reportedly plans to join the fray by late 2026. Improved AI will lure more customers.
-
How to Plan the Perfect Italian Dream Trip After 60
Proper preparation is everything for U.S. retirees when planning an Italy "trip of a lifetime."
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for Listings
Making Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and More
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.