Your resume is a tried and trusted way of showing employers why they should hire you. Yet today’s recruiters want to see your resume backed up by a powerful online presence.With the right career marketing strategy, you have the tools to build a strong personal brand via your social media profiles and industry footprint.
So, when recruiters google you, they discover a compelling profile beyond the resume.
Career branding, defined
Career branding refers to the way you are perceived online. Recruiters will build a picture of you, through your:
- Resume
- Personal website
- Professional online network
- Social media profile and conduct.
Remember that every time you like, share or make a comment on various social media platforms, you leave an imprint.
Loose comments ad unprofessional images will follow you around the web, so always consider how posts are likely to be perceived and judged.
Nail the planning process
Your resume and online profile are vital elements in your career marketing strategy.
When putting together a strategy, consider the following questions.
- What is your eventual career goal?
- What do you want to achieve as next career step?
- Do you want to consolidate your existing career or make a change?
- Are you aiming for a leadership or managerial role?
- What will potential employers expect from you?
- What specific skills or qualifications will you need?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What is your key value, and what key messages sum this up?
- How can you tailor your messages to your audience?
The better you know yourself, the more convincing you will appear to potential employers.
Put the plan into practice
You’ve nutted out the answers and put together your plan. Now, it’s time to get it working for you.
- Google yourself, to see exactly what recruiters will find when they look you up.
- Refine the key messages you want to use in all your subsequent online posting.
- Build a social media network via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- Establish a personal website which shows a balanced professional profile.
- Consider publishing your own blog posts based on career-relevant topics.
- Contribute articles to industry journals and business website forums.
- Put your name forward for other media, PR or public speaking opportunities.
- Attend industry events, seminars and conferences.
Take part in professional development and training courses.
The more times you are mentioned online in a positive light, the stronger your online profile becomes.
The power of the resume – and beyond
Your resume is really a touchpoint for employers. It’s a way of prompting them to want to know more about you.
When they check you out online, they should discover a well-regarded professional person, with an expanding network and growing industry roots.
Use your website to display your knowledge. You can do this by writing about industry trends, leadership styles and any areas of specific interest you have.
Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and ask others for their contributions. This is a great way to build professional networks, stamping your online presence in the sector.
Remember, your resume is the key to trigger employers’ interest. Why not upload it now for a free review, and kick off the branding process?