One of the nation's leading authorities on executive resume writing, personal branding, and job searching, Michelle Dumas is the founder of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Since 1996, Michelle has empowered thousands of executives worldwide with powerful branded resumes, executive portfolios, and job search campaigns that get results and win top-tier 6- and 7-figure jobs fast. Visit http://www.100kcareermaketing.com for free info.
If you've ever surfed the web, if you've ever responded to an article or written a comment on a forum or message board, if you use social networking like Facebook or MySpace, if you use professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, if you blog- if you do any of these things, then you've already established an online presence. It can't be helped; unless you're living Internet free, you're out there somewhere. So why not use it to your advantage? In a world full of job seekers, establishing a good online presence can be just the thing that gives you the edge and lands you the job.
*** Use Strong Key Words
Long gone are the days when hand and mail delivery of a resume was standard practice; nowadays many employers will not accept an application unless it's sent electronically. Why? Well there are several reasons; with one of the most important for the job seeker being automated scanning. Employers use automated systems to scan submissions and provide a short list. This means, using the right key words is imperative.
The same goes with your online resume. Uploading your standard resume isn't enough; you must make sure it includes the right key words. The stronger they are, the stronger your chances of being found.
*** Create Attractive Social Networking Profiles
One of the biggest mistakes a job seeker can make is thinking that they can or should separate personal networking from professional. The truth is, 1) you can't really separate the two and 2) even if you could, you shouldn't.
Your personal networking profile should be as much a reflection of what you want to present to potential employers as your professional one is. In the same manner, your professional profile should include a bit of the personal. The two should mesh; so that any employer seeking information on you will find something they will like seeing-a person who not only has the desired skills and experience, but one who, as an individual, fits well with their company.
*** Create a Personal Web Site
Since you cannot be online and avoid becoming searchable; you want to make yourself as positively searchable as possible. Creating a personal website is one way to do this. What should your personal website look like or be about? Well, that is up to you. Everyone has a niche; find yours and build your website around it. It doesn't have to be fancy; the best websites are easily navigated and offer simple, understandable content. Using the right key words helps people find it and updating it regularly keeps it fresh and interesting.
*** Blog
Blogging is a wonderful way to create an online presence and you don't have to be the world's best writer to be successful at it. Just remember; never write anything you wouldn't want the world to read now and ten years from now-this includes potential employers.
*** Star in Your own YouTube Video
Why not? YouTube is an excellent way to get your name, face, personality, experience, opinion, sense of humor, etc. out there for potential employers to see. It's free and it's massive; so, if you're looking for work, it's ideal for giving that little bit extra to really catch the employer's eye and gain edge over your competitors. Again, make sure your YouTube video topic is on-brand and professional.
The idea of establishing an online presence may seem frightening; but the truth remains that, if you're surfing the web, you've probably already got one. So why not make it work to your advantage? By managing and maximizing the way the online world sees you, you can establish yourself as a commodity any employer would love to have.
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