NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 12/31/12 -- According to a recent Associated Press article, more and more colleges and universities are beginning to offer their students tools for online reputation management. The article highlights one recent graduate of Syracuse University, a Samantha Grossman; while the article says that Grossman "wasn't always thrilled" with the listing that emerged when her name was entered as a Google search query, the university helped her repair her online reputation. Now, a Google search for her name reveals only her professional photo and her list of credentials -- a clean online profile that has, according to Grossman, proven instrumental in her landing of a much-wanted advertising job. The Associated Press report on the importance of online reputation management has, naturally, drawn the attention of the leading online reputation management firm, ReputationChanger.com.

ReputationChanger.com reviews all of the latest trends in online reputation defense, and the company has issued a new statement to the press, in which CEO Cliff Stein offers his take on the Associated Press story. "That more colleges and universities are realizing the importance of online reputation management is ultimately a boon to students, and especially soon-to-be graduates," Stein says. "In college, it is easy to amass harmful online listings that could prove detrimental once the time comes to start seeking employment. For many college students, then, online reputation management is key."

The article from The Associated Press makes note of some of the specific ways in which a college student's online image might be impaired, listing "prank videos" as well as embarrassing photos from a frat party. "The truth is that there are plenty of potentially embarrassing images or listings that can make their way online, often quite innocently," Stein says. "A buddy might post a picture of you looking drunk and slovenly, not meaning to do any harm -- but if that image is the first thing a potential employer sees when he Googles your name, it could end your career before it even begins."

Stein says that online reputation management is a big concern for college students precisely because so many of them are preparing to enter the job market -- and because employers are turning, more and more frequently, to the Web as a tool for weeding out red-flag applicants. "Employers are flooded with job applications from clients, and many of them need quick ways to separate the desirable candidates from the not-so-desirable ones," Stein offers. "Conducting a Google search is often the best way to do exactly that."

For students whose colleges do not offer reputation defense tools, Stein says there are DIY alternatives. "Students can try to suppress unwanted listings by flooding the Web with good, positive content," Stein notes. "This content might include a solid, professional LinkedIn profile, a blog, a personal website, and more. The important thing is to keep this content clean and professional, without anything that might raise a would-be employer's eyebrow."

Students might also consult with a professional online reputation management company. "When the negative listings are really bad, like DIY mugshots or arrest reports, the DIY route may prove insufficient," Stein offers. "ReputationChanger.com reviews the online reputation needs of many clients, among them students, recent graduates, and job seekers. We have proven strategies for suppressing unwanted online listings, and for helping our clients to position themselves as desirable job candidates."

ABOUT:
ReputationChanger.com was founded in 2009 by a team of online marketing and SEO professionals, and since then the company has established itself as the foremost name in online reputation repair. Providing services to businesses, brands, and individuals alike, the agency is zealous for giving companies and individuals control over how they are portrayed on the Web. ReputationChanger.com reviews the online reputation needs of countless clients, among them Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, individuals, and elected officials. The company's offerings include online clearing plans, review suppression, brand enhancement, and more.