The job search can be a terrifying and difficult process if you’re not prepared for it. After all, you may send out hundreds of resumes, try to connect with old colleagues to see if they can help, or even resort to applying for jobs not in your industry, all to no avail.
However, if you use the right tools and build a strong network of people, it doesn’t have to be as bad as it seems. Further, leveraging things like your online reputation in the job search may actually help you land a job.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Use MyWebCareer
First, you should probably see where your online reputation stands. Use our easy (and free) tool, MyWebCareer, a personal branding tool that lets you discover, evaluate, and manage your online data, which may help you in your career search. How? We evaluate over 150 different aspects of your online footprint, grouped into categories like your online profiles, your network, and your search results. From there, we give you a career score and evaluation, which can help you gauge where you stand.
The best part? The next steps are up to you. You can chose to beef up your platforms, switch up your networks, or even add new tactics to the mix. It’s completely up to you. However, be sure to take note of the areas that need work. That way you can have the best online reputation in your job search.
Blog about your industry
Blogging is a popular way to get your name out there and show you’re a thought leader in your industry. So, if you were an employer, wouldn’t a candidate who takes the time to post information about their niche on a consistent basis impress you? Therefore, it may be a good idea to commit to blogging about your industry a few times per week, whether it’s through words, photos, news, or other means. The more content you put out there, the stronger your online reputation should be, which can only help your brand in the job search.
Use social networking to connect with influencers
Connecting with influencers may be a surefire way to land the career of your dreams. Additionally, connecting with them through your social networks may be even better. Why? Well, they not only get to meet you, but also get to delve deep into your online life, but exploring your blog, seeing who you follow on Twitter, understand your background through LinkedIn, etc. By networking with these people online, you can help them with their own personal projects (since it’s not always about you). This is a great way to show off your skills and talents, further proving that you may be beneficial to a particular organization.
Maintain your online presence
Sure, having an online reputation is important. However, just because you have a good image doesn’t mean it won’t go bad quickly. That’s why it’s important to keep up with things that affect your online reputation. So, while you’re searching for a job, be sure to clean up your networks every so often by maintaining your privacy settings, being consistent with your postings, and promoting industry news, among other things. That way, your online reputation will continue to be fresh and current, which is a huge advantage for your job search and career.
How do you leverage your online reputation in the job search?