Does Your Professional Profile Have a Social Network Hangover?

Anyone in the job market should network and maintain a professional profile.   However, for those who maintain a professional presence and a social network on the Internet, remember that what you share with the world socially today can adversely affect your professional life tomorrow.  Even if you have a job that you love right now, what about two years from now?  What will a potential employer find when they Google your name?   If it’s something like this…

…odds are, you’re not going to be hired for that high-salary, management position you’ve been looking for.

So remember, when preparing your professional profile, make sure your personal profile reflects equally as well on you.  And, though you may not be thinking about a new job right now, consider that potentially every personal photo, video, or bit of information you post or share via Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, blog, or email immediately becomes part of the Internet public domain, and subject to forwarding, linking, and posting elsewhere.  And that means the party you enjoyed too much last weekend might still be hanging over you several years down the road.

How To Find A New Job By Losing Old Job Search Habits

In today’s technology driven world, new software probably won’t run on a ten year old computer. By the same token, if you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to make sure your job search habits are up to speed.

Most job seekers spend hours searching job boards and sending out résumés and, while those methods may get some acknowledgement, the time invested often yields little more than frustration for many.  And it’s those old job–search habits that need to be updated.

If you’re seriously looking for a new job, begin by developing a target plan that narrows your search to specific industries and companies within those fields.  Once you’ve decided where you want to work, start actively networking and making contacts within those fields.  In today’s economy, some companies even offer incentives to their employees for job candidate referrals, and networking with those employees can be a win-win for you and your contact.

Next, post your résumé and professional profile for the opportunity to be reviewed by a company.  Make it as easy as possible for an employer to see what you can bring to the table.  And don’t forget to diversify your search by setting up a professional profile on sites such as LinkedIn.  That higher profile will help you expand your network.

Additionally, research the companies you’ve identified on your target list and consider requesting advice meetings with their HR personnel or even the contacts you have within that company.  Don’t be shy! Research and speak to professionals who can give you insights about those companies and help you get introductions that will get you from point A to point B.  And don’t stop there! Ask a company you’re targeting to place your résumé in their internal database for future consideration, since that’s where employers often look first when there’s an opening to be filled.

Finally, be fearless and creative in your job search! Don’t rely on old job-search habits!  Instead modernize and diversify your approach to land that perfect new job you’ve been looking for!