If you haven't already done so, it may be time to organize your job search and networking efforts, even if you are currently working. Remember, if you wait until you are unemployed to start your networking, you have waited too long.
Changing jobs numerous times is part of the job-market landscape for the foreseeable future. Those entering the job market today will likely have 10 to 12 jobs and three or four different career fields, so changing jobs is inevitable for most.
A good source for organizing and carrying out your networking efforts is LinkedIn. Many employers will check your LinkedIn profile even before asking you for an interview. Some will Google your name to see what you have posted, and where. If you haven't already done so, it may be wise to Google your own name to see what a potential employer may find.
Professional branding is a vogue concept of late and LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter are all part of your professional brand. While it may seem fun and harmless to post vulgar or crude comments, it will likely be viewed by potential employers as less than favorable and even harmful to a job search.
With today's technology, all of us are on stage almost constantly and our image is on trial with potential employers. No one using the Internet is immune from public visibility and scrutiny. Again, just Google your own name and you may be surprised what you see.
The best approach to maintaining a good professional brand is to control your content and the privacy settings on your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter accounts. All of these are very professional websites that are sensitive to protecting your privacy, but you have to control that privacy yourself within each website.
Another website that is very professional and is specifically designed for managing your career is JibberJobber.com. Like LinkedIn, JibberJobber is great for networking but adds an element of career management. You can organize your job search efforts -- storing your resume, cover letters and accomplishment statements -- and use many other features specifically designed to manage your career. Like LinkedIn, JibberJobber offers a free version with a potential upgrade if you desire. Jason Alba, the owner of JibberJobber, is the first to state that most job seekers do not need the upgraded version.
There is a great deal of controversy about companies that charge the job seeker for even the lowest level of their service, such as TheLadders.com. Obviously, if you believe you are getting a worthwhile service, paying a small amount each month may be acceptable. The first and most important question is whether you believe you are getting a worthwhile service. That question is left to the reader.
As to the question of whether any website has exclusive job listings, the answer in today's world is a very clear: "not likely." The only exceptions are a few high-level search firms that typically charge the employer as much as 30 percent of the job's annual salary to recruit qualified candidates. They do not charge the job seekers.
As you organize your job search and networking efforts, there are a number of great websites to help you. If you end up having to pay for a specific service, make sure you will get the service you are paying for.
Ron Campbell has worked in the job preparation and job search industry. He can be reached at 801-386-1111 or campbellrv@gmail.com.
Comments