Everyone should know how important it is to stand out from the crowd when looking for your next job. But with near 10% unemployment (above 17% for younger workers between 20 and 25 years old) and with companies receiving oftentimes hundreds of online applications for every job opening, catching the recruiter’s eye is more difficult than ever.
And a standout resume is not enough now. Many companies and recruiters are now reducing their traditional classified and job-board advertising because they are buried in applications from poorly qualified candidates and are increasingly searching for people who better fit their criteria on the Internet and social networks. In this new emerging era, you need to manage your online profiles like companies do their Web sites. Expect anyone to find them to learn more about you and your potential. You need to tell a compelling story about your qualifications, aspirations and motivations to stand out from the literally millions of profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. This is especially true for recent college grads who have fewer experiences with which to differentiate themselves among the thousands competing for the same entry-level positions.
So how do you get noticed online?
1. Profiles. Every industry has its own vocabulary. Before you write about your past work and educational experiences, read several descriptions of jobs that interest you. Then in your online profile or bio, describe your skills and experience with the terminology—used by professionals in your field of interest—making it easier for recruiters with the best fit opportunities for you to find your profiles. (Remember to update all your online profiles.) For example, if you’re seeking a marketing job, perhaps previous positions or projects included aspects of customer acquisition, social media or market research. Hint: Be relevant, but resist the temptation to overstate your qualifications.
2. Get Recommendations. On LinkedIn, you can ask connections to provide recommendations that viewers of your profile will see. It may seem intimidating to ask, but endorsements will make you stand out. Start by requesting connections with employers, professors and clients. Then draft a note that you’ll send through LinkedIn’s “Request Recommendation” function. Explain that you’re seeking a job, and what type; and remind your contact of the specific project or work experience you’re asking them to endorse. Then wait. If you pester people, they won’t want to recommend you for anything other than an etiquette class. Politely follow up after two weeks. And consider recommending them first; they may be job hunting someday, too.
3. Show Your Work. In your online profiles, you have more room to show off than your one-page resume. Include links to Web sites, e-portfolios and blogs that illustrate your work—or your work ethic. If you don’t have one, you should consider creating an online portfolio and keep adding to it. Accomplishments don’t have to all be strictly relevant to the job you seek, but can show you have a record of hard work, accomplishment, creativity or intellectual curiosity. If you do not have much work experience, evidence of these characteristics can set you apart from others. When possible, show the concrete, measurable goals you were able to achieve.
4. Connect With Industry Groups and Companies. Professional networks and businesses usually have a presence in social networks. Look in the Groups section of LinkedIn and join relevant professional groups; become a fan of professional groups and your target companies on Facebook. Also follow experts and companies on Twitter. Once you join/fan/follow, you’ll automatically receive news (including job information). This “inside” information can alert you to opportunities and give you a leg up in interviews. Potential employers will appreciate the initiative you’ve taken to educate yourself for the job.
5. Engage in Conversations. You’ve got the connections and you’re in the groups. but you can’t just sit there. Show that you have more than a pulse, that you care and are energetic. Post questions and provide answers for others. Respond to Wall posts, retweet and react. Differentiate yourself beyond your resume by showing your interest and commitment to this professional area. By engaging in conversation, you’ll actually build the number and quality of your connections online. These contacts you engage with will see that you have something valuable to offer, and may even help with your job search.
Now you have done more than write a resume: You’re marketing yourself online. And you’ll become more qualified by learning and contributing to professional online communities
BR,
Harikrishna Talent Circle HR Services 9274541254
Email - Talentcirclehr@gmail.com
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