Everyone has an Online Brand

I’m thinking of ways to market my education and skills. I was checking my e-mail as usual and found one from LinkedIn. I’m part of a LinkedIn group with members that blog about different job search topics. I came across a blog with a group member who made the comment, “Everyone has an online brand but does not know it.” Do I really have an online brand and if not, how do I go about creating one? I realized by reading the details of the comment that being a member of LinkedIn is a start to letting the world know about my professional identity.  I reread my profile and saw that it did not portray who I am as a professional. I decided that my next step was to revamp my page:

• I uploaded a professional picture
• Wrote a summary about myself and what I can offer employers
• Entered the information found on my resume
• Indicated that groups I have joined

Within less than an hour, there it was in front of me, a professional LinkedIn page for employers to see. I’m sure there is more to add, which I will learn, but it is a start. Did you know that if you searched your name on Google, your LinkedIn account shows up which employers can see? Try it out. It is always a good idea to keep in mind that the information that you have online creates a unique identity for you. Keep it positive and professional!

Article about Social Networking: Managing Your On-line Brand: http://www.montclair.edu/CareerServices/studentservices/articles.html

LinkedIn.com, a business-oriented social networking site: http://www.linkedin.com/

PLEASE COMMENT: There are other websites you can use to create an online brand such as Facebook or Twitter. What have you used to create a professional profile? Share a success story about using these websites to project a professional image.

Discover the World, Work Abroad!

As I contemplate expanding my job search, I think about working in a different country. I considered the idea of adding an international job to my resume to become more marketable, networking with a diverse population of people from a different culture, learning a new language, and adapting to a new environment. If or when I decided to come back to the U.S., I think I would have a new perspective on work and even on life. So I wonder if I should take the chance to travel beyond my comfort zone. 

Can this dream become a reality and how? This idea makes me think of Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.” Before I make such a big leap, I have to do a lot of research.

Ten Important Tips for Landing a Job Overseas

1. Develop a Job-Search Strategy

2. Determine What Jobs You Want to Pursue

3. Research Potential Jobs, Companies, and Countries

4. Develop/Polish/Acquire Key Job/Language Skills

5. Prepare Job-Search Correspondence

6. Build and Use Your Network of Contacts

7. Prepare for the Global Job Interview

8. Follow-Up All Job Leads

9. Consider Obtaining a Graduate Degree

10. Contemplate Going/Moving Abroad

Find out more details about these tips by visiting

QuintCareers.com: http://www.quintcareers.com/landing_international_job.html

Riley Guide International Job Resources: http://www.rileyguide.com/internat.html

The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas: http://www.workingoverseas.com/

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for visa information: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

Informational Interview

Since  my job hunt is continuing (sigh...), I thought I ought to re-evaluate my job search process. I thought of setting up an informational interview with someone who works in my field who could communicate first hand experiences and impressions about the job. A year ago, I networked with a student in one of my classes who became a manager in my industry. I sent her an e-mail reminding her of our meeting and requested advice about how she had become successful in the field. We set up a phone meeting.

We talked for about an hour and I was delighted to find that this conversation was not stressful like a job interview. I was able to ask the following questions and some that may not be strategic during an interview (i.e., questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation):  

·        What is a typical day like?
·        What do you enjoy most about your work? What are some of the challenges?
·        What are some of the current issues/trends facing people in your field?
·        What skills/education are important for a position in this field? Tips for finding a similar position in the current job market?
·        What is the typical entry-level salary in this field?

After the informational interview, I had a different perspective about the job. It entailed more than just the skills and education that I had to offer. I realized that I needed to think more creatively about the ideas and services I can provide to meet the company’s goals. Beyond the advantages of gaining valuable career information from this kind of  interview, I’m more confident and feel this was a good opportunity to improve my ability to handle a job interview. I hope you also  talk with several experienced workers in your field for an information interview..

QuintCareers.com Information Interview Tutorial: http://www.quintcareers.com/information_interview.html

Please comment: Describe your experience about the informational interview or what do you think can be gained from in informational interview?