The dramatic culture shift spawned by the growth of social media in recent years has opened myriad new opportunities for people looking to advance their careers. But it has also created new obstacles, as well. Navigating the social media terrain to maximize your potential and appeal to hiring managers can be tricky, but understanding what you can do to optimize your presence on the Web is a good start to standing out from the crowd.
Perhaps one of the best examples of how the Web and social media can act as a double-edged sword is in publishing. Now that anybody can publish their work on the Internet, with a blog or a Web site, or even with per-copy publishing models like the one offered by Lulu.com, it can be harder to judge candidates based on their published works. Obviously, having your work printed in a reliable and reputable source is a boon to your resume, it’s rather easy for someone starting out to create their own professional-looking blog or Web site and publish their own work. Self-publication can be a step toward third-party publication as well.
And as you’re adding lines to your resume, you’re likely to be looking for new ways to get that resume into the hands of employers. Social networking sites like LinkedIn and even Facebook (though that platform tends toward more social uses than professional) enable you to keep in touch with your professional network, and reach out to new contacts as well.
Since it’s designed for professional networking, a LinkedIn profile offers much the same information that your resume does. You can (and should) use the site to keep in touch with former employers, especially since the site offers a “recommendation” function that enables people in your network to recommend your work by posting their own comments on how great you are. Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn, just like you would request a reference.
When building your profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, or any social platforms, keep in mind that you’re using it for professional advancement. Ensure your profile picture helps you make a good first impression; opt for a professional appearance rather than a snapshot from last weekend’s party. Ensure you use proper spelling and grammar when filling out information fields. It’s important to monitor your online image – your “personal brand” — as unsavory pictures or posts can prove detrimental to your goals.
You can also seek online platforms that appeal to your niche. LinkedIn and Facebook offer group pages that facilitate discussion and networking, and likewise there are niche networks out there for any pursuit.
Using Social Media today is almost a given. Understanding how the social Web can help you achieve your goals makes it a powerful tool that can propel you closer toward your goals. This is only one of the key areas that we address with our career advisory clients, both pre- and post-MBA, at The MBA Exchange. Just imagine what else we can do for you!
The dramatic culture shift spawned by the growth of social media in recent years has opened myriad new opportunities for people looking to advance their careers. But it has also created new obstacles, as well. Navigating the social media terrain to maximize your potential and appeal to hiring managers can be tricky, but understanding what you can do to optimize your presence on the Web is a good start to standing out from the crowd.
Perhaps one of the best examples of how the Web and social media can act as a double-edged sword is in publishing. Now that anybody can publish their work on the Internet, with a blog or a Web site, or even with per-copy publishing models like the one offered by Lulu.com, it can be harder to judge candidates based on their published works.
Obviously, having your work printed in a reliable and reputable source is a boon to your resume, it’s rather easy for someone starting out to create their own professional-looking blog or Web site and publish their own work. Self-publication can be a step toward third-party publication as well.
And as you’re adding lines to your resume, you’re likely to be looking for new ways to get that resume into the hands of employers. Social networking sites like LinkedIn and even Facebook (though that platform tends toward more social uses than professional) enable you to keep in touch with your professional network, and reach out to new contacts as well.
Since it’s designed for professional networking, a LinkedIn profile offers much the same information that your resume does. You can (and should) use the site to keep in touch with former employers, especially since the site offers a “recommendation” function that enables people in your network to recommend your work by posting their own comments on how great you are. Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn, just like you would request a reference.
When building your profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, or any social platforms, keep in mind that you’re using it for professional advancement. Ensure your profile picture helps you make a good first impression; opt for a professional appearance rather than a snapshot from last weekend’s party. Ensure you use proper spelling and grammar when filling out information fields. It’s important to monitor your online image – your “personal brand” — as unsavory pictures or posts can prove detrimental to your goals.
You can also seek online platforms that appeal to your niche. LinkedIn and Facebook offer group pages that facilitate discussion and networking, and likewise there are niche networks out there for any pursuit.
Using Social Media today is almost a given. Understanding how the social Web can help you achieve your goals makes it a powerful tool that can propel you closer toward your goals. This is only one of the key areas that we address with our career advisory clients, both pre- and post-MBA, at The MBA Exchange. Just imagine what else we can do for you!
