Name: Kathy
Web Site: http://www.awriteresume.com
Bio: Kathy Sweeney, Nationally Certified Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Coach, and Credentialed Career Manager started The Write Resume in 1987. She has helped thousands of clients secure interviews through effective preparation of targeted resumes and career search documents. She spent six years as a Hiring Manager with two Fortune 500 corporations prior to owning her business. As one of most quoted experts in the world on career topics, her expertise has been featured in online magazines, career websites, and newspapers across the nation, including: INC.com CNN.com Forbes.com Hoovers.com MSNBC.com MSN.com AOL.com CareerBuilder.com Monster.com Working Mother Magazine She provides resume writing and interview coaching services to management and executive job seekers in a variety of industries, with specializations in Information Technology (CEO, CTO, CIO, Sr. VPs, VPs), Health Care (Managed Markets, Pharmaceuticals, and Clinical Research), Finance and Banking, Automotive, Sales / Marketing, Manufacturing, Human Resources, and Aviation.
Posts by ksweeney:
- How job seekers can find out what kind of digital footprint they possess.
- Specific websites where job seekers should have a presence, including LinkedIn, Google Profiles, ZoomInfo, Facebook, and Twitter.
- The differences and benefits between the sites.
- Which type of person is right for each online medium.
- Privacy concerns.
- How a great (or poorly written) profile can impact a job search.
- Conducting company research
- Developing a 30-second Introduction
- The importance of having a stellar, updated resume
- How to be prepared for “on-the-spot” interviews
- How to follow-up after the job fair
- Post a picture of yourself on all of your social media pages. However, make sure the photo is a professional head shot. There are several freelance photographers listed in or formal portrait studios, including or that can provide you with a digital photo format.
- Establish your brand and stick to it.
- Don't write about controversial topics unless it relates to your personal brand.
- Make sure what you are writing is fact-based - not some information or trends you have made up.
- Make sure your opinions on a particular topic are useful and positive.
- Contribute to "conversations" on other people's blogs. But, do it in a positive, meaningful way. Post information that solves problems - not creates more discourse.
- Remember that your reputation is key to your success - don't bash other people or products.
- Think before you post. If what you are writing can be misconstrued, don't write it.
- Do not write blog posts that are inconsistent with your brand. An example would be a computer expert blogging about different programs and / or industry trends. Then, out of the blue, he posts a message about Healthcare Reform. Unless he can tie information technology to health care reform, then the post should not be written.
- Don't post 10 blog topics in a week and then not post for a month. The key to successful blogging is to be consistent. If you only have time to blog once a week, that's fine. Just set a day every week to write a blog post and stick with it.
- Do find and follow other experts who don't directly compete with you. For instance, if you are a dog trainer, you don't want to connect with other dog trainers (unless it is Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer). Why? Because this negates the purpose of being viewed as an expert. However, you might want to connect with veterinarians, canine nutrition experts, and small business owners who sell merchandise, like collars, leashes, dog beds, etc. These people can enhance your knowledge and will show your followers that you aren't a "one-trick pony."
- Do "retweet" (think of this like forwarding an email to someone) Twitter posts made by experts you follow that are relevant to your brand or industry. Not only will it provide them with visibility, but it will show you are connected with experts and they will likely "retweet" items of interest that you post.
- Don't Tweet about topics that are off-brand. These include tweets about how you are walking your dog, having breakfast, or getting ready to go on vacation. Once again, be consistent in your theme and ensure the content is useful.
- Do connect with people that can help in your job search.
- Make sure you have a descriptive job title and thorough profile that highlights your expertise and skills.
- Don't "spam" people you don't know to try and connect with them - you'll get your account taken away from you.
- If you do want to connect with someone you don't know, either find someone in your network that's connected to the person or write a meaningful "in-mail" that conveys WHY you want to connect with the person.
- Ask for and provide solid recommendations to people in your network.
- Do be careful what your write in your updates. Don't post personal information about your divorce, how you are going out drinking every night, etc.
- Don't post pictures of yourself in compromising positions, i.e., photos of drinking, nudity, etc.
- Don't be a lurker. If friends posts something about their family, job, or life in general, write a comment. Just be sure you don't comment on posts related to their "bad behavior."
Twitter Job Search: Myths, Facts, Do’s & Don’ts on Using Today’s Hottest Social Media Tool – Radio Show 5/12 7 pm ET
May 10th, 2010Twitter is the fastest growing source for finding employment on the Internet. More than 1 million job openings are Tweeted per month!
If job seekers aren't signed up and using Twitter in a meaningful way to find employment, it's time to start embracing this social media tool!
Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney, NCRW, CPRW, CEIC, CCM of , and Norine Dagliano, NCRW, CPRW, CFRW/CC of as they interview Susan Britton Whitcomb, Chandlee Bryan, and Deb Dib, co-authors of
Don't miss this show, as our expert guests will share fantastic advice and insights with job seekers on how to turbo-charge their employment search!
In addition, they will share success stories from actual job search candidates who effectively utilized Twitter to land a great job!
The radio show will air live on BlogTalkRadio on Wednesday, May 12th at 7 pm ET.
Listeners can tune in to The Career Clinicians Radio Show here:
We will be taking live calls during the show at (917) 889-9043.
New Radio Show 4/21 @ 7 pm ET: “What Every Job Seeker Should Know Before Deciding To Become An Entrepreneur” with guest Cameron Johnson, author of “You Call The Shots.”
April 20th, 2010
As the employment market continues to suffer with a lack of high-paying jobs and many industries outsourcing their positions to overseas locations, job seekers are turning to entrepreneurship to control their destinies.
While self-employment may be a good alternative, job search candidates need to understand what it takes to start and build a successful business.
Our guest has done that – several times over – and he is only 25!
Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney and Norine Dagliano as we interview our guest, Cameron Johnson, author of “.”
Listeners may remember Cameron as the runner-up on Oprah’s “Big Give” TV show in 2008.
The radio show will air live on BlogTalkRadio on Wednesday, April 21st at 7 pm ET. Listeners can tune in to The Career Clinicians Radio Show here:
We will be taking live calls during the show. Listeners can call (917) 889-9043 to ask questions of our guest.
So, who is Cameron Johnson?
Cameron started his first business when he was nine with $50 and a home computer. By age 17, he earned his first million dollars.
Before he'd turned 21, he'd started twelve successful businesses and was offered $10 million in venture capital to grow his hot Web company, CertificateSwap.com.
And, he has done it without ever taking out a loan!
Cameron will discuss:
• How to determine if entrepreneurship is right for you
• The secrets to starting a successful business
• The risks involved with being an entrepreneur
• How to research ideas to determine whether they are viable
• How much capital you should invest
• How to keep your business profitable
• The role that outstanding customer service plays in the success of a company
• How to know when to sell your business
Don’t start a business without listening to this important show!
Should “Out-of-Work” Job Seekers Start Their Own Business?
April 20th, 2010
Many times I speak with clients who have been laid off and propose the idea of starting a business. While it may sound like a great idea, there are many things to consider before starting a company.
In this post, I will outline some lessons and provide a few pieces of advice that I have learned throughout my 23 years in business.
At the end of the post, I have included two organizations that can help with starting a business.
While this post will not be an "all-encompassing" guide to starting a company, it will provide you with a framework of very basic principles.
1. Be properly funded.
It takes capital to start a business. Most banks will not lend you money until you have been in business at least five years. So, you may have to tap into savings or borrow from family or friends. The rule of thumb is to have at least SIX months of business operating capital, along with funds to pay your household expenses.
2. Decide whether you will offer a product or service.
In my opinion, service businesses are less expensive to operate, as you will not have to carry inventory. Further, you can start out smaller and then add employees (or subcontractors) as you grow.
3. Will you start your own business or buy into a franchise?
There are pluses and minuses to each. Just make sure you read the fine print on any franchise contract and talk to other franchise owners. Often, franchisees are bound by a lot of rules, and can't use "out-of-the-box thinking" when it comes to marketing, as the "brand" needs to remain consistent. When you have your own business, you call all the shots.
4. Be realistic about whether your idea holds merit.
Conduct due diligence, which includes researching the competitive marketplace, identifying your target demographic, and determining pricing. In addition, determine which licenses or permits you will need to run your business.
5. Build a business plan.
This is your road map to guide you. Make sure that you identify EVERY cost you will incur. In fact, enter amounts that are MORE than you think something will cost. That way, you won't be stuck if prices change. However, make sure your business plan is a fluid document. If you find that something isn't working, change it.
6. Create a marketing plan.
This is one document which entrepreneurs typically neglect to formulate. Identify the "advertising" mediums that will bring you the most business for the least amount of money.
One thing to note. When you start your business, you will get calls from every kind of advertising company trying to sell you their service. Never sign on the dotted line until you have given yourself 24 hours to think about it.
7. Network and form alliances with businesses who can enhance your offerings.
For instance, I do not conduct career coaching. So, I have a network of colleagues to whom I can refer my clients.
Another example would be a plumbing company that establishes trusted relationships with heating / air conditioning companies and / or pest control services.
8. Be an expert in your industry.
Participate in continuing education in your industry. Keep up on emerging trends in your business and be ready to jump on those opportunities. However, carefully evaluate whether the trend is real based upon fact-based research or if it is made up by someone just to bilk money from customers.
9. Provide outstanding customer service and deliver a quality product / service!
There is a saying: People buy from people they like and trust. By providing exceptional customer service and delivering quality work, you will set yourself apart from your competition. Further, you will gain referrals. As your referral base grows, you can knock out advertising costs.
In the resume writing business, I have thousands of "competitors." Some of them charge less than I do and others charge more.
However, I have built a strong level of trust with my clients by consistently creating and delivering interview-winning resumes, selling them only what they need for their job search, and providing advice about the employment market. This has resulted in a 98% referral rate. Now, I spend very little money on advertising.
Where Can You Go For Help?
There are great resources available in your community which provide free counseling, including and , which are funded by the Small Business Administration.
Remember though, just because someone gives you advice, it doesn't mean that it's the only way to run your business. Take the advice given and run it through your mind to determine whether it makes sense.
It’s 2010…Job Seekers, Do You Know Where Your Digital Footprint Is? Find out on the April 14th Career Clinicians Radio Show!
April 11th, 2010
Do you have a digital footprint? Do you know what one is? Is your online presence getting you "turn downs" instead of "offers" from employers?
More than 90% of recruiters and 50% of employers perform Internet searches on candidates before making a hiring decision. If job seekers don’t have a solid, online presence with a strong career brand, the chances of impressing a potential employer are greatly diminished.
Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney and Norine Dagliano, as they interview Barbara Safani, an expert in social media and career branding, regarding the importance of building online profiles and participating in social media / business networking sites.
The show airs live on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 7 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio (). The Career Clinicians will be taking live calls at (917) 889-9043.
During the show, Barbara will discuss:
Don't miss this important show to find out the best ways to ensure your digital foot is a positive one!
Live As If You’ll Be Found Out Because You Will! Don’t Lie About Your Career!
April 9th, 2010
My dad has a saying: "Live as if you'll be found out because you will!" In this post, I will cover a story that plays right into that statement.
While I was browsing "updates" from friends on Facebook the other day, I noticed one of them had joined a "Fan Page" entitled, "!"
I was a little perplexed; I hadn't heard of anyone by that name doing something heroic on the news. So, I clicked through to find out what all the fuss was about.
What I found was a page dedicated to someone, who, in the pursuit of his 15-minutes of fame, had made grievous errors in judgment. These errors will now follow him for the rest of his life.
The Beginning of End
It all started innocently enough. Tim Martins is a First Officer (co-pilot) for American Eagle Airlines (the regional carrier for American Airlines). He is also a member of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), which is the union representing thousands of professional pilots at several airlines.
In the wake of recent bad press surrounding the airline industry, ALPA decided to write articles in their member magazine featuring pilots who typified their Code of Ethics and set them up as "role models." Two of the tenants in the Code of Ethics include 'representing their airline with the utmost professionalism in both appearance and conduct ' and 'being a good citizen of the community'.
To be featured in an article, a pilot is nominated by a peer and then approved by top members of ALPA. Tim Martins was nominated, approved, and then interviewed by Jan Steenblik, a long-time technical editor for ALPA's magazine.
The article, entitled, "Mature Beyond His Years," was the cover story for the April 2010 issue. In the magazine, Tim Martins, who is approximately 25 years old, told the story of his "rise" through the aviation ranks.
Tim Martins claimed he had graduated from a flight school at 19, stated that he had worked at and was furloughed by Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA - now defunct), started flying F-16s and was an active member of the NJ Air National Guard, and then was subsequently hired by American Eagle.
Further, in the article he claimed to be a FDNY firefighter / paramedic in his off time (quoted as saying he is carrying on a family tradition) as a member of Ladder Company 2 located in midtown Manhattan. He also stated he works in the food pantry at a church near his home and builds houses for Habitat for Humanity as part of his "community service."
Pretty impressive, right? The only problem is, about 90% of what he told the Steenblik wasn't true (a journalist not fact-checking a story is incomprehensible and unprofessional - but, that's another story).
"Outed" By His Peers
As thousands of ALPA members received the newest issue and began reading the article, there was no way to predict that this story would become a "runaway train" without any signs of stopping it.
First, you must understand that the aviation industry (both civilian and military) is a very tight-knit group, and pilots, like other true professionals, don't like individuals putting their chosen career in a bad light.
And, in my opinion, after working in the airline industry for many years, believe they have the right to expect that "one of their own" would not do something to put a "black eye" on an already struggling industry.
I belong to several aviation-related message boards where pilots discuss different aspects of the industry. One member started a thread about this article and Tim Martins, questioning the validity of the information.
What started as an innocent thread, giving Martins the benefit of the doubt (and questioning that perhaps he had been misquoted), turned into a real "fact-checking" mission.
After the thread was posted, several other pilots started to "chime in" with information to disprove what had been written about Martins regarding his airline career. He had never worked at ACA (verified through the seniority list from pilots who had worked there). He also never graduated from the aviation college he claimed in the article.
Then, other members questioned and found out from their military pilot counterparts that Martins had never been a member of the NJ Air National Guard. The military personnel were so incensed (they have every right to be) that Martins was purporting himself to be a military pilot that they called ALPA's national headquarters to bring this issue to light.
Further checking revealed that Martins also was not a member of FDNY Ladder Company 2 - not even as a volunteer.
But, it didn't end there. These pilots were now very upset. They Googled Tim Martins and found his Facebook page and LinkedIn profile.
On those pages, he claimed to be a pilot for Southwest Airlines, a Captain in the US Air Force, a Rescue Diver, and a US Air Force Academy graduate. His Facebook photo page showed pictures of him supposedly working at FDNY and in the cockpit of an F-16 (where he had given himself the name, "Timmy 'The Milkman' Martins").
The only fact that could be verified was that Martins was indeed a First Officer for American Eagle.
Opportunity to "Save Face"
In the true spirit of compassion, the aviation community gave every opportunity for Tim Martins to "come clean" and admit his mistakes.
However, Martins, even with all the facts staring him in the face, continued to deny that he had lied. He even made up "screen names" on these message boards to try to save his reputation by posing as "friends" who knew him and could verify his military background. It didn't work, and he finally "half-way" admitted he had stretched the truth a bit (that was putting it lightly).
But, by this time, it was too late. From there, the information went viral. Even the NY Post jumped on the bandwagon, as a freelance journalist, Christine Negroni, broke the .
And now, Martins has the auspicious honor of having a "Facebook Fan Page" that doesn't shine a very pleasant light on him.
The Aftermath
Now, allegedly, Martins has been suspended from his job at American Eagle. If he gets fired, it will be unlikely that Martins will ever be hired into another job in aviation. He has shown that he cannot be honest, and trust is everything between flight crew members.
In addition, there may even be repercussions from Martins claiming to be a military service member under the "Stolen Valor Act." Further, I am certain that FDNY is not very happy with him either.
What Lessons Can Be Gleaned From This Story?
So, what can professionals and job seekers learn from this story?
First, live your life with integrity. Don't claim to be someone you're not. Be happy with who you are and what you have accomplished.
Second, don't post bogus information about yourself online or provide false information to a journalist.
Remember, every time you post something online, you leave a Digital Footprint that can be uncovered and used against you. Further, any comments you make to a journalist for an article will likely end up in print, and that information will never go away.
Third, know that if you do lie about your career, it WILL catch up to you. No one likes a "poser" and people will "out you;" it's just human nature.
Finally, if you do make a mistake, own up to it. Your co-workers will be more likely to forgive a mistake if you admit it and apologize.
How To Be Successful At Job Fairs! April 7th Radio Show Provides Strategies To Ensure Triumph, Not Tragedy!
April 6th, 2010
Considering attending a job fair to search for employment? Not sure what to expect or how to prepare to ensure success? Have you been to a job fair and thought it was a waste of time?
If any of the above questions apply to you, then don’t attend a job fair until you have listened to this important show!
Join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney, NCRW, CPRW, CEIC, CCM of , and Norine Dagliano, NCRW, CPRW, CFRW/CC of for their next show, "How To Be Successful At Job Fairs!"
The show airs live on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 7 p.m. ET on BlogTalkRadio (). The Career Clinicians will be taking live calls at (917) 889-9043.
They will discuss key strategies and cover what steps to take before, during, and after the career expo to be triumphant, including:
After listening to this show, job seekers will be prepared to attend a job fair with confidence!
Lessons Job Seekers Can Learn from Sears
April 5th, 2010
This past weekend, I watched an interesting documentary surrounding the history of Sears. The story is fascinating, as it chronicled the rise, fall, and re-branding (several times) of the company since 1893.
The key theme throughout the history centered around meeting the market need through innovation and reinvention. However, there were times when the company believed it was unstoppable and ignored the competition.
As a resume writer and career strategist, I began to think about the relation of this story to job search candidates.
First, I believe it is important for readers to understand the history of Sears. Then, I will apply the lessons learned from Sears to job seekers.
The History of Sears
Richard Sears, the company's original founder, started his "career" as an agent of the Minneapolis and St. Louis railway station in North Redwood, Minnesota. He was delivering a shipment of watches that was refused by a local jeweler. Seizing the opportunity, he purchased the watches himself and sold them to other station agents, making a handsome profit. In 1886, Sears began the R.W. Sears Watch Company in Minneapolis.
He advertised for a local watchmaker to cut out the middleman. The person who answered the ad was Alvah C. Roebuck. From there, they entered a partnership, which ultimately became Sears & Roebuck.
Sears saw an opportunity to expand his newly formed company through the catalog ordering and delivery business, which was targeted to rural America. Through volume purchasing of every kind of merchandise possible, he met the needs of these customers who were getting upset with local merchants charging them double the wholesale price for everyday products.
Sears was not the best organizer of systems, and his catalog was so popular, he was having a hard time fulfilling the orders. So, Julius Rosenwald, a Chicago clothing manufacturer bought into the company in 1895 and brought order out of chaos.
Sears & Roebuck grew exponentially over the years, and sold everything under the sun, including tools, bicycles (they made Schwinn a household name), violins, lumber, clothing, and home remedies. And, they guaranteed what they sold. However, some of the home remedies were "questionable" in nature, and the company decided to incorporate laboratories to test every product sold. This was the beginning of Sear's reputation as a quality retailer.
Innovation at Sears
Sears continued to be innovative, penetrating even more markets with the goods they sold or finding ways to boost sales. The most fascinating product to me was the "home kits." Individuals could purchase these kits and construct their own homes. This was Sear's answer to their lagging lumber sales. The largest order placed was by Standard Oil Company in a coal town and many of the homes are still standing today.
In 1924, Sear's opened the first retail store in Chicago to corner the market on "city dwellers" and it was an instant hit. The company expanded to numerous markets and became the largest retailer in the US, as they played on the theme of the "one-stop shopping experience." The company then decided to focus on the affluent customer. While it worked for several years, it eventually became the downfall of the company.
Complacency in the Marketplace
Sears had become very complacent, believing that no other company could topple their market dominance. However, K-Mart and Wal-Mart entered the picture, offering customers mass amounts of merchandise at a low price. Sears couldn't compete, lost market share, and went from #1 to #3 on the list of top retailers in the 1980s.
The Reinvention of Sears
Sears decided to reinvent itself by bringing on model Cheryl Tiegs to design a new line of clothes. They also opened AllState Insurance Company to meet the need for car insurance, and real estate and financial services and placed those offices in their retail stores. However, some of these ventures were short-lived.
Even though Sears tried to recapture the market dominance they once held, it was the opening of The Great Indoors, and the acquisition of K-Mart and Lands End specialty catalog that proved to be most beneficial. Even though the retailer struggles today, the public still embraces the company as a trusted retailer.
Relevance to the Job Search
As a job seeker, there are many lessons that can be learned from Sears, as detailed below.
Find a need in the market and fill it.
Just as Richard Sears found a niche in the late 1800s, job seekers need to look at the current job market and determine where their skills can best be utilized.
Be Innovative.
Sears continued to be innovative in their approach to attaining more business. Professionals need to be continually striving to either come up with new ideas to help their companies make money or meet a market need. Further, recommending and leading new projects that are on the cutting-edge of a particular industry are great ideas, as well.
Don't Get Complacent In Your Career.
Many individuals get complacent in their careers. They believe achievements or tenure with a company will be enough to keep their jobs. I have found this is not always the case with my clients. When it is time for downsizing at a company, there are typically two standards that are measured - performance and cost of the employee. Sometimes companies will cut the highest salaried employees to make it easier for them to reach the "bottom-line number" to achieve stability.
So, how can someone combat complacency? There are many ways to do this. Be indispensable to a company or industry by being a thought leader. Develop a blog focused on a particular industry. Invest in continuing education, sign up for extra projects, earn credentials, and build the "brand" of a person who is always abreast of the latest trends.
Always Be Ready for the "Unexpected."
Even if professionals follow the suggestions above, it doesn't mean they won't be replaced by a company with someone who is younger or less expensive. Watch company or industry trends. If it appears that jobs are at risk, be prepared.
Have an up-to-date resume with measurable accomplishments and the proper format depending on position level. Start connecting with people now through LinkedIn or other social media websites. That way, if downsized, time won't be wasted locating people who could assist in the job search.
Reinvent Yourself.
As mentioned above, if your industry is in turmoil, figure out a way to reinvent yourself so you won't be left behind. Whether it is training in a new field or determining how to exploit your old industry, such as being a consultant to companies in your field, put the skills you have gained throughout your career to good use.
Always Develop and Guard Your Reputation.
My dad always says that the only thing you really "own" in this life is your reputation. Guard it well! No matter what, Sears has always had the reputation as a retailer than can be counted on with quality products.
Develop and guard your reputation. Be the trusted source of information, help other people with their careers, always be willing to take on a task without complaining, don't gossip about others, and be pleasant in your work environment.
In conclusion, if you approach your career with tenacity, innovation, preparedness, reinvention, and a stellar reputation, the likelihood of landing on your feet, no matter what shape the economy is in, is greatly increased.
NBC’s “The Apprentice®” is Casting for Next Season Starting April 1st; Focus on Employment-Challenged Applicants
March 29th, 2010
NBC's hit show, The Apprentice®," starring Donald Trump, is starting casting calls beginning April 1, 2010. And no, this isn't an April Fools' joke!
For this next season, The Apprentice® will focus on applicants who are unemployed, underemployed, or new college graduates who are having a tough time landing a job in this economy.
Frankly, I am proud of NBC and Donald Trump for addressing this situation. They are giving a voice to individuals who have been hit hardest by the recession.
Further, they are providing an opportunity for successful applicants to showcase their talents on national television.You can't BUY that type of exposure!
Win or lose, participants on the show will gain visibility on a national basis in the crowded sea of job seekers, which could open up opportunities for meaningful employment.
For complete information on what the casting directors are seeking, an application to download, locations of casting calls in a number of major cities, or to submit an application via email, visit this page on NBC's website: .
Good luck and put your best foot forward!
Should You Use Social Media Tools to Find a Job? Part 1
March 29th, 2010
In today's technologically advanced environment, many people are using social media tools to communicate with friends and family, and reconnect with old acquaintances. But, should you use social media to look for work? Absolutely!
However, before charging out and jumping on the social media bandwagon, I think it is important to understand how to utilize social media to attain the most positive results.
In the first post of this two-part series, I will cover why job seekers might want to use social media as an avenue to attain a job, the types of tools available, and some guidelines. In Part Two, I will share stories of people who have successfully utilized social media to land a great job.
Why Should Job Seekers Use Social Media?
Social media tools can be very helpful in the job search, if utilized wisely. They can help highlight your expertise, provide visibility in search engines when HR or Recruiters decide to Google your name, and allow you to network with current / former colleagues and friends who may be able to assist in your goal of landing a great position.
What Social Media Tools Should Job Search Candidates Use?
While there are many social media tools available to job seekers, I am going to cover the major players. It is important to not only know what they are, but how they differ, and the methods to successfully utilize them.
Blogs:
Blogs (aka Weblogs) can be utilized by job seekers to show their expertise in a certain subject matter or industry. Successful blogs have a consistent brand - the readers have a clear picture of who the blogger is and can identify a consistent theme to the posts.
In a blog, job search candidate can convey information on industry trends, provide opinions on topics (without offending or bashing anyone), and seek to educate readers. The content should be engaging and useful to the reader.
Putting together a blog is rather easy. There are several free services available, including and , that can walk you through the process of establishing a blog.
If you aren't technically savvy, I would suggest enlisting the help of someone who is. If you don't have friends or family members who can help, you can have your project completed rather inexpensively on .
LinkedIn.com:
is a free website where you can develop your professional network and look for jobs. It is the most prominent tool used today by recruiters to source "active and passive candidates."
On LinkedIn, it is important to convey your personal brand with a strong profile and "job title." When using this tool, I would suggest linking with people who can help with your job search, which includes current or former colleagues, customers, vendors, etc.
One very important measurement recruiters use when reviewing candidates profiles is the amount of solid recommendations you have on your profile. They need to be very specific to your expertise and from individuals who have directly worked with you in some capacity.
While the "magic number" of recommendations hovers around 3-5, I would suggest you tap into your network and obtain as many "comprehensive" recommendations of your expertise as possible.
Remember though - networking is a two-way street. If you ask for recommendations, be sure to provide them, as well.
Facebook:
is a great place to connect with old / current friends and family, and if you want, current / former colleagues. It is more of a relaxed atmosphere than LinkedIn. However, stay true to your brand, and don't post information that is too personal or pictures that show you in a bad light.
While you can set your "home page" as "public," I would suggest setting your other pages to "friends only." This way, your private information and photos cannot be seen by HR Managers and Recruiters.
Twitter:
is a great tool to convey information in a very concise way - you only have 140 characters to get your information out there. The posts you make on Twitter are called "Tweets."
So, what should you "Tweet" about? You can post a short description and link to a blog post you wrote or specific industry information gleaned from articles you have found on the Internet, such as, "SalesForce.com introduces new tool (then link to the article)." You can also "Tweet" general factual information you have found through research, for instance, "38% of computer users are switching to Mac."
You will need to have an account to "shorten" your URLs so your "Tweets" don't surpass the 140 character limit. I suggest , as it allows you to track how many people have clicked on the links included in your Tweets.
Also, a great book has recently been published regarding how to use Twitter in your job search: .
Guidelines for Effectively Using Social Media
Here are some general and specific guidelines to follow when using social media:
General Tips:
Blogs:
Twitter:
LinkedIn:
Facebook:
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Is a Career Change for You? Get great advice from “New Job, New You” author Alexandra Levit!
March 18th, 2010
Many people are looking to make a career change these days. However, it can be difficult to determine how to transition to a new field.
Next Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 8 pm ET, join The Career Clinicians, Kathy Sweeney of and Norine Dagliano of as we interview Alexandra Levit, nationally recognized business and workplace author / syndicated columnist and Wall Street Journal contributor on our BlogTalkRadio show.
You can listen to the show live at or call in to ask questions at (917) 889-9043.
Our discussion will be focused on her latest book, “.”
During our interview, she will be discussing the research she conducted on what drives people to make a career change, and the seven most common motives she discovered: family, independence, learning, money, passion, setback, and talent. Using a blend of practical advice and anecdotal evidence, Alexandra will share how you can use your prime motivations to make a career change.
Alexandra writes for The Wall Street Journal and Metro US, and has authored several books, including the bestseller, “,” “,” “,” and “.”