Potential employers evaluate and scrutinize job candidates based on their application materials, such as cover letters and resumes, but each candidate's professional brand is also under the microscope. Employers investigate online profiles and social media to determine if candidates are a good fit for the company, which is why your job preparation should focus heavily on your brand.
Protect and develop your professional brand by carefully evaluating the information you post online. An online comment or post riddled with grammar, spelling and punctuation errors damages your credibility and your professional value. Draft posts offline before posting on social media platforms and blogs. Use spell check to catch errors that could hurt your chances of obtaining credibility in the professional world, and analyze the content prior to posting during your job preparation.
Keep frustrations in check when communicating online. A harshly worded response to a post or a comment that is sarcastic can be misinterpreted easily. Think about how others may perceive your messages before clicking the post button. You may disagree with an opinion of another professional posted on Twitter or LinkedIn, but a knee-jerk response could leave you with regret, especially when it is public and viewed by potential employers, ultimately damaging your professional brand.
Job candidates who post personal information can also put themselves at a disadvantage during the hiring process. Employers may perceive a parent busy with carpooling, family obligations or multiple children as unavailable for demanding work. Individuals who complain or rant negatively about their personal lives may lead others to confuse their personal situations with their professional life. Stay positive and professional when posting online to avoid potential discrimination that can reduce your job opportunities.
Enhance your professional brand with marketing techniques that credit you as an expert in the industry. Post informative articles that are related to your field, provide insight that is credible and innovative and build an online portfolio that puts your skills on display. Reserve a domain that is related to your name or your industry and build an online audience to boost your branding efforts. An Internet search that leads potential employers to credible information you have provided can put you one step ahead of the competition.
Utilize your online presence to connect with professionals in the field. Seek out individuals with professional branding techniques that have been successful. Network with people who are in the same industry and join conversations by offering innovative input and advice. Job candidates can increase their chances of gaining employment by networking with people who are currently working within their desired industries, too.
A credible online presence is a key element of your professional brand. It may be tempting to share personal information or vent frustrations, but when potential employees are viewing your online activity, the best strategy is to remain professional.
Photo Courtesy of Rosaura Ochoa at Flickr.com
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