OK, so your CV has impressed the hiring manager. Naturally they want to find out more about you. So it’s essential that your online presence backs up your claim to be an outstanding individual.
Here are six foolproof ways to burnish your brand and maximise your online presence across social media platforms to get the right IT job.
1. Create a professional online identity
Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly using social media sites to learn more about candidates they like the look of, so it pays to be both visible and active in the social space. If you're using Facebook or business networking tools, be sure to add regular status updates so that you’re visible to anyone who follows you using applications such as Tweetdeck.
2. Set up a blog
Writing and managing your own blog will demonstrate your professional expertise and knowledge. And by becoming a regular contributor on blogs and forums in your field, you’ll begin to establish strong online bona fides. One thing: be sure to keep the blog updated on a regular basis and respond to as many comments as possible. It’s important to keep your end of the conversation with your readers.
3. Strengthen your online reputation
If you're using a business network, seek out recommendations from people you're sure will be happy to oblige you. (Be discriminating!) By building a network of people that you’ve previously worked with, you will create a living CV complete with powerful testimonials. It'll go a long way to convincing recruiters that you're a safe bet for the shortlist.
4. Separate your professional and personal identities
A stray tweet here or an inadvisable update there and, next thing you know, your reputation's in the toilet. And once your personal brand is soiled, scrubbing it clean it can be next to impossible. Maintain distinct accounts on social platforms — one for your personal updates, and the other for professional notices. Or, if you prefer to maintain just one, tweak your privacy settings so that only your friends can see just what you got up to at the weekend.
5. Be careful who you hang out with
There are some pretty unsavoury characters and applications out there that want to associate themselves with your online identity. Don’t let them! Regularly scrub your followers to remove spammers. Always fight the temptation to get embroiled with trolls. It’s never worth the time and frustration.
6. Don't stop
Finally, understand that tending your online reputation is a never-ending task. You can’t just set up an online profile and then hope it will look after itself. If you set aside time every day to read, comment, tweet and blog, you’ll soon get into the habit and your online presence will be as important as your CV.
Further links:
- The growing importance of social media
- How to write the perfect cover letter
- 5 tips to create the perfect CV
- The rising demand for specialist IT skills
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