With the advent of electronic resumes and the ability to search the Internet, companies and recruiters are becoming more proactive in searching out top candidates, rather than waiting for good candidates to contact them.
Ford R. Myers, Career Coach, Speaker and Author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring,” (John Wiley & Sons, 2009, www.GetTheJobBook.com), says, “Having a strong Web presence is a great way to differentiate yourself. You’ll stand out as a tech-savvy, smart self-marketer.”
Myers suggests implementing the following six strategies to optimize your online identity.
1. Own your name. Register a domain in your own name – www.yourname.com. From here, you can build a Web site, establish an online career portfolio, or create a Blog, all of which will be easily searchable by your name.
2. Write your way to the top. Develop a professional career Web site that includes your Professional Biography, Accomplishment Stories, and other credentials. A job search Blog can act as an online journal where you share your professional expertise, opinions and resources.
3. Upgrade your resume to the online world. Internet technology enables your career management strategy to include a visual and engaging portfolio about your career. Include links to companies for which you’ve worked, significant career achievements, links to your articles, presentations, case studies, recommendations, references and awards.
4. Move your contact list online. Use Facebook or LinkedIn to establish a visible and searchable professional profile, as well as expand your network.
5. Keep your online identity clean. Remain constantly vigilant about what you do and say that could end up on the Internet.
6. Track your online identity. Set up a “Google Alert” to notify you each time your name is featured on the Internet.
“Your online identity is a form of capital, much like your intellectual capital and financial capital. To that end, it can be grown slowly and steadily over time, which will eventually produce the positive results you want,” says Myers.
For more information and other useful tips to help those in career transition achieve career success, visit http://www.GetTheJobBook.com.
Reprinted by permission of Ford R. Myers, a nationally-known Career Coach and author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring.” Download your Free Special Report, “10 Vital Strategies to Maximize Your Career Success” at http://www.careerspecialreport.com.
Tips in a Job Interview
The second step in getting the job is meeting the potential employer for an interview. The first step that an applicant has successfully completed was sending your application and passing the screening process of the company.
The employer got the resume through a variety of sources that can be from an ad that was posted, a referral from a friend or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application by logging on the company’s website.
Here are a few tips that will help in having a successful interview;
• Before going to an interview, it is best to do some research about the company one is applying to.
• It is also best to practice with a friend or family member mock up questions that the employer will likely ask so you do not choke during the real interview.
• When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that the person is punctual and serves as a good attribute in a potential employee.
• When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of the resume and other documents that are needed if asked certain questions. A good example is architects and photographers who are professionals in the respective fields who have a portfolio of the works done which may impress the interviewer.
• It is always best to dress appropriately. This shows the employer sincerity on the part of the applicant applying for the job. One must have finger-nails and hair well groomed for the interview. The outfit worn should be professional. This would mean that shoes must be used to match the outfit. If you typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and tone it down for the interview.
• When you are in front of the employer, smile and greet the interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake which is always a good start to get the interview moving.
• During the course of the interview, listen very well to the questions asked. Each must be answered truthfully and confidently to be able to sell yourself to the potential employer.
• Afterwards, the applicant should thank the recruiter for the time that was given to meet for the interview.