On – Line Profiles
Copy write Great Work Employment Services
If you are searching for a job, be sure to Google your name prior to sending out resumes.
Be proactive. Don’t give prospective employers a reason to eliminate you from consideration. Avoid pitfalls that could keep you from even getting an interview.
Take part in technology -First and foremost, make sure you have a PROFESSIONAL profile in one of the business related networking communities: LinkedIn, Spokeo, Google+. Limit the information you put on the profile to: work, education, networking and volunteerism. If you have no online image, an employer may eliminate you for being out of the networking loop. Companies seek staff that are savvy in social networking. They see it as an additional way to help market their company name. Regardless of what position you have with a company, you always have to consider yourself an advocate and sales person of the company brand.
Work History – Now that you have an online profile, make sure all of the information you post corresponds with your resume. Don’t send your resume with past jobs eliminated (or included) that don’t match your online profile. The employer will think you are lying on one and they may throw out your resume for inconsistencies. In addition to your on line profile, make sure you’ve updated your resume in online databases or make your resume inactive. It is bad if they find your resume on MONSTER, which you posted a year ago, and it has past jobs or education that you don’t include now. Any variances that aren’t readily explainable will be HUGE RED FLAGS. Make sure your work history is consistent everywhere.
Photos – Take a look at any photos you’ve been tagged in that are on public profiles. Ask friends to untag you or make your pages private. Make sure there are no photos that could be considered offensive or give a prospective employer a misguided perception of you. Only use headshots that are tasteful and professional looking for your Professional profile.
One applicant connected via LinkedIn for a Sales job. His LinkedIn Profile picture showed him dressed as batman, in his bathing suit, in his boat. Not the professional image desired. No interview was granted.
On–Line Comments – One google search uncovered a rude and controversial comment a prospective employee made on line. It gave insight to their true ideological nature and it wasn’t one that would correspond with most businesses today. Ironically, the person probably thought they were posting anonymously because only their email showed. Many companies’ google email addresses along with names.
Be honest and consistent when using any internet program. Your online presence will follow you. The internet is a WEB and it is sticky. Don’t let your career fall victim to a poor virtual image.
Written by Tia Ramlow, President, Great Work!Employment Services May 2014