Well, hello world...I spent last week grinding away with several client projects and did not come up for air until early Saturday morning...phew! I ended up with very happy clients, so my hard work was not in vain. However, I felt so disconnected from everyone else...no blogs, Twitter, Linkedin or Facebook activities...in today's world, a technology blackout is pretty scary.
So, it brings me to today's topic on online/technology-driven job search activities. I received a call today for an active job seeker who had not looked for a job in a LONG time and who did not have an email address. At first, I thought I misunderstood her response, so I asked the question again for clarity.
If you are reading this, I am going to trust you are not among the "disconnected" in the today's world...I recognize that they are many uninformed people or those who try to avoid technology because they are overwhelmed by the everchanging features. Reality check - technology plays a critical part in everything that we do..so encourage everyone you know to get onboard before it's too late.
It's natural that a part of your job search will include online-based activities, so what do you need in your e-job search portfolio? For starters, here are a few things to consider:
1) Job search email address - Separate the personal from the job search related emails to avoid missing important updates and interview requests. Look at at this way - everytime you log into that email account, every email will be about your job search - no need to scan or filter your inbox.
2) Branded email signature - Don't miss out opportunities to sell yourself even when sending out general emails or networking requests. Consider something like this with links to your LinkedIn and Google profile.
SENIOR MANUFACTURING EXECUTIVE
Engaging cutting-edge technologies expedite manufacturing processes and achieve aggressive revenue growth and cost-cutting objectives for global companies.
3) Complete LinkedIn profile - With 40+ million global members including top Fortune 500 executives and recruiters, maintain a robust, active LinkedIn profile to help you nurture your professional network and attract unadvertised job opportunities.
4) Skype account - Are you surprised by this one? A lot of companies are leveraging Skype technology to pre-screen clients and hold first interviews before calling in highly qualified candidates for second round or face-to-face interviews.
5) Google voice number - One of my absolute favorites! Use this phone number for your job search telephone communications - the best part is that you can sync the number to your cell phone and have a separate voicemail...pretty cool, huh? Use the Google voice number for incoming and outgoing calls. Keep your personal cell phone number for close friends and family and use the Google voice for professional purposes.
6) ASCII/text resume - While more online applications or company portals can accept a Word document, it is always handy to have a text version of your professional resume - especially when copying and pasting the document.
I know this list is not all inclusive, what are some other shortcuts and technology tools that you find invaluable in your job search?
