Job Search #10: Build a Personal Brand

In obtaining a new position your identity is key. As with advertising the association with a 'brand' creates an effective connection. Professional branding is important for anyone who is job searching or building their career. It's important to create a personal brand that portrays you in a professional light and which provides employers and contacts with a strong positive impression of you as a high-caliber individual.

For articles presenting this approach see several articles here.

Job Search #9: Use Social Networking

Social networking can be an integral part of your job search or career building - if you use it correctly. If not used correctly, even information you consider private like a photo posted on Facebook or a random comment on Twitter, could cost you your job and unexpectedly damage your career.

Social media participation is an essential tool in networking with potential professional contacts, staying in touch with current and former contacts, advancing your career, and keeping in touch with the world

To find tips on what you shouldn't do when it comes to social media and your career - and that's just as important as what you should do, see the complete set of references here.

Twitter - a natural for networking

So technology strikes again. Is the resume doomed? Well not really; the key to getting a job still relies on an interview based on your qualifications. But in this media based world Twitter can be useful in the most effective job getting method: networking.

Think of it, using twitter to keep in contact with your professional network. To a certain degree a tweet is a short phone call at arm’s length, a reminder that you are still looking for work; any leads that your network might have for you would be appreciated. As in all networking efforts it is a two way street; remember to make thoughtful contributions and remember it’s not just all about you.
To follow this thought, see the online article here.

Your Background Check Is Now with Facebook

The next time you apply for a job, don't be surprised if social-media is used as a background or reference check.  Many U.S. companies and recruiters are now looking at your Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other accounts and blogss -- even YouTube --to paint a clearer picture of who you are. 

• It is not the party photos
• What you should do?
• Almost all employers do some form of background screening because they have to avoid negligent hiring.; 
• For the entire article, go to:  http://tinyurl.com/3w2tozr