As everyone has noticed, it is a tough economy to be in. There are not many jobs available and expectations for current job seekers seems to be set to a higher bar each day. More professionals are going back to school for an advanced degree while others are opening their options to other opportunities. This is happening across the academic and professional fields of PR. However, with all of these challenges, there are also some positives to this for potential job seekers. Social media does present a chance to showcase, highlight, and separate yourself from the rest of the crowd in a unique and fabulous way.
There are many different platforms that can be used for current job seekers. For example, Twitter is one social media platform that has created numerous opportunities to showcase your insights briefly (again, you only have 140 characters to make a statement), but there have been some creative ways to be memorable. One example would be to look at this video that was created and titled “Twitter Job Hustle.” Interesting approach to direct communication and persuasion to hire these professionals through the microblog site.
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/25812909[/vimeo]
Other ideas that can be used to distinguish yourself on the job market includes the following you all might want to take into consideration:
- LinkedIn: Be active in networking with fellow colleagues, professionals, and co-workers online through the business networking site. Personalize your profile with applications on other social media sites and your personal blog, and make sure to highlight your skills and expertise in particular areas in the profession. Also, make sure to have some recommendations listed on your profile as well.
- YouTube: Presenting a visual, engaging, and personalized video of yourself sharing with the world your skills, insights, and personality through video is one way you can incorporate YouTube into your job searching strategies. In addition, it is a way to showcase your video clips as part of your online portfolio. YouTube and Vimeo are great to also show your presentations at conferences, guest lectures, and other events where you are talking about issues related to social media and public relations.
- Quora: Establish your online presence, follow key leaders and professionals in the field, engage in asking thoughtful and relevant questions targeted to your interests and profession, as well as engaging in contributing and curating information to share with others to answer their questions. Quora is still a new platform in some circles, but it continues to be a niche platform where people can be on and establish their online reputation proactively.
- Prezi: Prezi is a great presentation platform to help substitute for using PowerPoint and KeyNote for a change of pace, but it is a great way to share, collaborate, and present your ideas and strategic insights to others online. This can also be embedded in your online portfolio and blog as well.
- Visualize.Me: Infographics are in my opinion to be absolutely fabulous, and one site allows you to set up your resume to become a dynamic, colorful, and unique visual presentation. Definitely a must-have for any up and coming social media professional! 🙂
In summary, while it is key to make sure to have a strong online presence on social media, you still have to make sure that you have the content to share on these various social media platforms. Engage with research, participate in the application of these research findings in campaigns, and present your online and offline presence professionally and consistent with your reputation.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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