Managing your career on social media

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, at some point you’ll likely find yourself searching for a new job. And as you start your job search, it’s important to understand the impact your use of social media may have on your career.

The hard truth: You can’t be too cautious when it comes to participating in social media. According to a 2012 CareerBuilder.com survey, 37 percent of employers check sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter in their research of candidates. And the employer scrutiny of social media takes on a whole new dimension for many once on the job as a growing number of employers are establishing policies about the use of social media on and off the clock for their employees.

For specific tips on how social media can better manage your career, click here.

"Video Resume Tips." Part 2

It is often recognized that employers are not always looking to hire the most qualified candidate.  But looking to hire "a personality" rather than "a brain in a jar," suggests applicants accompany any video they send of themselves with a traditional resume and cover letter.

For employers, don't expect them to immediately press the "Play" button right away; but instead, screening candidates on paper first because resumes can initially be perused in 5 seconds instead screening them in 1 to 3 minute segments. Then, once the first round of cuts have been made, it's fine to grab the popcorn and fire up those applicant videos.  But video resumes require creativity with an interesting story-line. Here is an example of a straight-ahead lecture format that leaves much to be desired because it lacks imagination. Click here for such presentation.. 

There are  important tips of what to incorporate in your video resume and what not what to do.  Click here for an excellent "how to" article on how to present yourself more effectively.  This on-line article is entitled "Video Resume Tips."

Cutting Edge Job Seeking Advantages: Video Resumes? Part 1

Looking for a cutting-edge job seeking advantage?  Are you resourceful and creative?  Consider doing a video resume.  A video resume is a short video created by a candidate for employment that describes the individual's skills and qualifications and is typically used to supplement a traditional text-based resume.  The uniqueness of a video resume is that it lets you express himself in a way that can't be accomplished in a traditional resume because "Pictures can speak a thousand words, and a video can speak a million."  Although video resumes were first introduced in the 1980's for use and distribution via VHS tape, the idea never took off beyond the video taping of interviews.  However with the modern capabilities of transmitting streaming video via Internet, video resumes have taken on a new popularity.

Consider this.  Do you have imagination and savvy to effectively get the attention of potential employers instead of just submitting a paper resume and waiting in-line for an job interview call? Video resumes can be the next frontier in jump-starting your employment opportunities if done correctly.  Below are three simple but very effective video resumes to make my point:  Video resumes can effectively get employer's attention within 1 to 3 minutes if done correctly that can quickly accelerate your chances of earning an interview.

1. Must also see this simple but very effective video resume that is so dynamic and eye catching  Click here   
2. Then one of my colleagues' student from the University of Denver that was created to earn job on campus in a media lab.  And he got the job!  Click here.  
3. Here's a present Denver ERC client who is a competition to get a position and presents it all creatively within 59  seconds.  Click here http://www.bestjobaroundtheworld.com/submissions/view/6337. 

It is important to note that video resumes are not for everybody.   But be aware that video resumes could be a short-cut to separating oneself from others in pursuit of an interview.

In next week's sacrament meeting bulletin, I will present an article on tips of making a video resume going far beyond a tradition video lecture presentation.which could be detrimental if planned incorrectly.

Interview Questions from Entrepreneurs

If you are interviewing for a position in a small startup company there are several things to consider. First with an interview invitation your experience and qualifications are already known from your resume. Second the likelihood of you being interviewed by the very person that founded the company is good.

The principal question that they will have is ‘How do you fit into our company?’ So some of the questions asked will be of the ‘Behavioral’ nature. They will be less factual based and more oriented to personality and flexibility; do you fit the ‘Culture’. Small companies need to be fast on their feet and flexible, as do their employees. A Corporate reply of ‘That’s not my job’ won’t fly in a small company.

For an insight into entrepreneurs and ten questions you might be asked, see the full article here.