If you want to truly stand out in the crowd when applying for positions, creating a social media resume is a unique, yet sure-fire way to get you noticed by prospective employers. Plus, it’s one of the most effective ways to market and showcase you as a “brand” during the job search process. Social media outlets to utilize include Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Indeed, YouTube, and even your own website and/or blog. If you’re already using one or more of these, great! Make a goal to regularly update each social media options you’re using, be it daily, weekly, or monthly, to ensure your profiles and other information are up-to-date. A few of the more important items to regularly update (especially on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Facebook) include new accomplishments (business or personal), awards, new/continuing education (Taking new business classes to keep you up on the latest technology in your field? Almost finished your next degree such as an MBA or Doctorate? Make sure to add this to all your social media profiles! You want to set yourself apart from other potential employees, so don’t be shy in showcasing your educational goals and triumphs), new/updated work experience (for example, if you were hired for a new position within your present company, accepted a new job in a different department, etc.), promotions (another crucial item to add and highlight on all your social media profiles, also be sure to describe how and why your big promotion happened).
So, you’re already regularly updating and posting on your preferred social media outlets, now what? Well, your next step would be to set up a website and/or blog to highlight all your career accomplishments (everything mentioned above!) as well as making it one easy, convenient place for potential employers to go and search your work history, education, accolades, and even your traditional resume if you it available on your website or blog. You can also link all of your social media in one place, so employers can easily find all the information they need in one place, right at their fingertips. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on creating your website or blog, let a professional handle the set-up and then you can simply add and update items periodically, and post on your blog regularly. Another option for those who like to DIY, is to create a free website or blog (there are literally dozens of options, some of the best I’ve heard of or used is Weebly, Wix, or GoDaddy, when they offer great discounts), where you can handle the set-up, format and template, what information you’re posting, and more.
Staying connected and regularly updating your career information on social media is fast becoming the new way for job seekers to get their resumes out there to hiring managers, as almost 80% of current job offers are received via networking. Start small for now, then when you have more time and are seeing more contacts coming your way thanks to Facebook, Twitter, Indeed, or LinkedIn, then put in the effort to create your own website or blog for even better exposure to those who want to hire you for that dream job.
So, you’re already regularly updating and posting on your preferred social media outlets, now what? Well, your next step would be to set up a website and/or blog to highlight all your career accomplishments (everything mentioned above!) as well as making it one easy, convenient place for potential employers to go and search your work history, education, accolades, and even your traditional resume if you it available on your website or blog. You can also link all of your social media in one place, so employers can easily find all the information they need in one place, right at their fingertips. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on creating your website or blog, let a professional handle the set-up and then you can simply add and update items periodically, and post on your blog regularly. Another option for those who like to DIY, is to create a free website or blog (there are literally dozens of options, some of the best I’ve heard of or used is Weebly, Wix, or GoDaddy, when they offer great discounts), where you can handle the set-up, format and template, what information you’re posting, and more.
Staying connected and regularly updating your career information on social media is fast becoming the new way for job seekers to get their resumes out there to hiring managers, as almost 80% of current job offers are received via networking. Start small for now, then when you have more time and are seeing more contacts coming your way thanks to Facebook, Twitter, Indeed, or LinkedIn, then put in the effort to create your own website or blog for even better exposure to those who want to hire you for that dream job.