Jennifer Bradley PhD

Career Transition Coaching and Consulting

Google+ for your Career: How to Get Started

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Career & Work Life Matters, ISSN 2150-6299, Vol 5, no. 5

 Google+ for Career and Professional Development?

There are many choices available when it comes to using social media platforms to support your career and professional development. LinkedIn is generally regarded as the social media platform of choice to support professional career development and job search activities.

But should you consider Google+?   The answer will depend on your goals and priorities.   Read this article to be more informed about the best options for you.

What are your current career goals?

The 2013 JobVite survey of trends in social recruiting, found that more than 90% of recruiters used LinkedIn to find, contact, vet, and keep track of prospective candidate. If working with recruiters is part of your strategy, it is evident that being visible on LinkedIn is essential.

However, not all professionals work with recruiters, either because it is not appropriate or they choose not to. For some professionals, Google+ may provide advantages over LinkedIn.

See below for a free checklist to save you time on profile completion of if you’re new to the Google+ platform.

Three Possible Benefits of Google+

1. One potential advantage of G+ is that its size. Despite its relative newness, it is growing rapidly and has approximately twice as many members as LinkedIn. If you are researching companies or working to build connections in organizations outside of your network Google+ may be a good choice.

2. In general, the Google+ platform is more open than LinkedIn. You may be able to manage the built-in barriers that LinkedIn has to connecting outside of your network by joining relevant groups. If this does not work, it is worth investigating Google+ as an alternative.

3. Google+ may provide a search advantage. The platform is owned by the top search engine. Like twitter, the platform allows you to focus your search through the use of hashtags. Both of these can help you be found and search more effectively.

Are you Ready to Set Up your Profile?

If you’re ready to set up your profile, download this free checklist (or click the image below) to save you time. Even you have already created a profile, now may be a good time to review it to be sure that you have completed all the sections in a way that will support your career goals.

 

free checklist for google+ profile set-up

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Bradley helps professionals lead their own careers, empowered with the information, tools, and resources that they need. She offers individual coaching and consulting, teaches classes, and publishes articles on career development and career transition.  If you’re new to the Career & Work Life Matters Blog, and would like to discover more about your personal career management skills,  request a Free copy of the Career Scorecard.

 

 

 

Avoid these 3 Mistakes in Using Social Media for your Career

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Career & Work Life Matters, ISSN 2150-6299, Vol 3, no. 20

Use Social Media More Effectively
for your Career & Job Search.

Choose the best social media strategy for your career

If you are like most people,  you have a lot of questions when it comes to using social media effectively for career development and job search.  Read this issue to learn about 3 common mistakes to avoid.

In previous issues, we have visited some of the major platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, and discussed specific ways to use them for career purposes.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to get  started, or have lost momentum,  download this free worksheet to  create or refine a social media strategy that is personalized for your needs.  Answer just a few questions to simplify the process and make it more manageable.

#1.  Not having a purpose

There are many reasons why you might want to use social media.  If you are just getting started it is essential to be focused.  Your goals may change over time, but if you try to do everything at the beginning, you are likely to feel overwhelmed.  Thinking about what is most important will also help you to select the most appropriate platform.

#2. Not Paying Attention to Guidelines

More companies are adding social media policies to their other communication policies. Be sure to review your company’s guidelines if you are sharing information in a public forum. Your company may have a different view of what is acceptable.

It is also important to consider your own preferences.  There are many choices to make, such as the type of information you share, and who you connect with. Consider your goals, personal style, and field of work.  Check your privacy settings on the platforms you are using on a regular basis.

#3 Taking A Binge Approach

In general, you need to participate consistently to get benefit from using social media.  This is one of the biggest challenges for most people.  It is not easy to find the time. If you have 45 minutes, it will be more effective to participate for three 15-minute sessions, than for one 45-minute period.  More often than not, you need to rearrange your schedule. However, if you are clear about your purpose and do some planning, it is much easier to be effective in a manageable amount of time. Here is the worksheet again for your convenience.

Although there are tools that you can use to automate part of the process, they are not always effective. You need to test them out with your audience.   Social media is about getting to know people and building relationships.  This requires that you are available for interaction.

Questions & Comments

Share your successes and challenges in using social media for your career below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linked In Today: New Tools for Your Career & Job Search

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Career & Work Life Matters, ISSN 2150-6299, Vol 3, no. 14

 

Have you Used LinkedIn Today?

 LinkedIn is an essential tool for career management and job search. It is also used by the majority of recruiters to find candidates. But like other social media platforms, it changes frequently.  This can be frustrating when you feel like you already have too much to do.
Read this issue to find out how to make the most of the latest upgrades to Linked In Today.

If you have logged in recently, you will have already noticed that your home page has a new look.  But there is more. Apply the tips below and get better results by taking a few simple steps to customize the information you get from LinkedIn.

 

 

 1.  Get the Most Relevant Information

One of the biggest challenges for professionals today is filtering the vast amount of information to find what is relevant to you. Whether you are planning a change of direction or preparing for interview, LinkedIn Today to help. 
Customize your settings on LinkedIn Today to get only the most relevant information. This screenshot shows the 2 ways to customize: 

  • Filter by Industry
  • Filter by Information Sources

 2. Filter by Industry

Screenshot: How to customize LinkedIn today

Follow Your Industries

 As this screenshot shows,  LinkedIn provides suggestions for you. Below this you will see a list of industries. Choose the industries most pertinent to your career goals.

 Select Information Sources & Update as your Goals Change

Screenshot of LinkedIn: How to Customize

Choose Best Information Sources

 Want to find out where the information is coming from?  Now you can with this A-Z listing of sources.  Browse through the list for the sources of most interest. You will find a wide range of including major media outlets, local newspapers, and trade publications.
Your selection of sources and industries will show up on the right hand sides of your screen. This makes it easier to review your list periodically, and make changes as needed. Evaluate what you are receiving. Stop following the sources that are not supporting your current goals. Add new ones as your goals change. 

Linked In Today is a powerful tool for job seekers and career changers. For example, sharing and responding to relevant information is a great way to build your network and increase your visibility within your profession.

Beware of information overload and how you manage your time. As with other tools, ask what you want to get from the time you invest.   Refer back to your goals for LinkedIn and make decisions based on your current priorities.

If you want to find out more about changes to LinkedIn, check out their blog for the latest news.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Ways to Use Tweetmyjobs to Advance your Job Search

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Career & Work Life Matters, ISSN 2150-6299, Vol 3, no. 13

Twitter Tools for Job Search Part 3

This is Part 3 of a series of articles on how you can use twitter to speed up your job search. 
This issue focuses on Tweetmyjobs, a tool specifically designed to connect employers and job seekers.

What is Tweetmyjobs?

Tweetmyjobs is a job posting service that is similar to the job boards you’re already familiar with, such as Monster or Career Builder.

It is free for job seekers. Benefits to employers include lower costs and quick responses from potential candidates.

How can Job Seekers use Tweetmyjobs?

Your approach will depend on your goals.

Are you actively searching?

Do you want to find out which companies are hiring in your area?

Are you relocating to a new area, and researching the job market there.

See below for 2 of the options available for job seekers.

 

1. Get notified about open positions

Create a free account  with your name, email, and a password that you create.
To get automatic alerts select your preferred method of communication (email; mobile phone; twitter; or all 3 if you so choose).  Narrow your search by selecting your industry from the drop down menu, and by choosing a specific geographical area.

2. Quick Subscribe to a Channel

Tweetmyjobs is organized into thousands of custom channels.
Enter your job type and location to get recommended channels to follow on twitter.
See the project manager search example below.

“project manager”
“Seattle, WA 98104 US”

An Ilustration of Tweetmyjobs

As you’ll see from this example, it is easy to narrow your search, for example by zip codes.

This search produced results for project management positions in IT, Business, and Engineering and more, each in a different channel.

Choose which channels you want to follow.  If you are interested in project manger positions in the engineering field, you would follow the channel listed as @tm_SEA_eng

 Once subscribed, you will continue to receive tweets from your selected channel/s at your twitter account.

This is useful if you are in active search. You need to  check your account frequently, but you can do it on your schedule without having to continually manage incoming emails or text messages.

This tools may also help if you are considering changing to a different field and want to research open positions in a new industry or geographical area.

Did you Get the Previous Issues in This Series?

If you missed the previous issues in this series of Twitter tools for Job Seekers, you can find them here.

Part 2: How to Use Hashtags

Part 1: Can Twitter Speed up Your Job Search

 (includes a free downloadable simple planning tool)

You’ll find me on Twitter @jenniferbradle

Questions & Comments?

Use the box below to post questions or comments.
You can contact me directly here.

 

 

 

How to Use Twitter Hashtags for Job Search & Career Advancement

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Career & Work Life Matters, ISSN 2150-6299, Vol 3, no. 12
Use Twitter Hashtags for your Job Search If plan to use twitter for job search or career advancement, you should know about twitter hashtags.  Because the # symbol denotes a keyword, using hashtags helps you to use twitter more effectively.  However it can be confusing in the beginning. Check out this issue for tips on how to select and apply twitter hashtags in your personal job search.  If you already have a twitter account, or decide to set one up, you’ll find me  @jenniferbradle.

 

What is a Hashtag?

The use of the symbol #, the hash (or pound) sign, is a commonly used way of denoting keywords and thus facilitating searches within twitter.  Any twitter user can create their own hashtag.  This can be useful, but look first for hashtags that are already in use and therefore will be more widely recognized. See below for some specific examples that you can adapt to you own search.

When are Hashtags Useful for Job Seekers?

As always, it helps to begin your search with a specific objective. If you can be more focused you will get better results in less time.  If you are in the early stages you may need to spend some time exploring before narrowing your search.  For example, if you are considering a change in direction, you can use twitter hashtags  to learn about current trends and changes in your industry. New developments can inform your search.

Which Hashtags Should I Use?

Because hashtags are created by individuals they are not standardized.  It is common to find different versions of the same search term.

For example, a search for postings for  project manager positions may include the following:

#project #manager
#project #managers
#projectmanager
#project-manager

(and more …. )

In the beginning, this can be frustrating. But you will soon find  the most common versions for your industry.  Create a customized list by  saving hashtags for your own specific search.

A Specific Example: 

Download this example of different ways to use twitter hashtags. First review the specific example of a project manager.  Then  use the worksheet on page 2 to create a strategy that is relevant to you.    Do any of the objectives listed here fit with your current priorities?   Adapt it to your own situation by selecting the most relevant objectives. Substitute parallel hashtags for your industry. Try out different variations of the same search terms.

 Remember twitter is a dynamic platform. The information changes rapidly.

Combine Resources for Better Results  

I hope that this will help you get started with hashtags if you want to use twitter to help you with you career. The best approach will depend on  your goal.  No matter what tool you are using, you will get better information if you combine resources.  Each tool has different strengths and weaknesses.  One of the strengths of twitter is the openness of the platform.

If you missed the last issue, you can read it here. Check out the simple planning worksheet.   A few minutes thinking about your priorities may save you hours of time.

 Questions & Comments?

Let me know if you  use these tools.  Use the box below to post questions or comments.

You can contact me directly here or on twitter: @jenniferbradle

Can Twitter Speed Up your Job Search?

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Career & Work Life Matters, ISSN 2150-6299, Vol 3, no. 11

twitter

Twitter for Job Seekers?

 Twitter can be a powerful tool to for job search and career management. But it is for you? If you’re wondering if you should invest time using twitter, read this issue to find out more.
The first step is to create a plan based on your most relevant needs.
See below for a free simple planning sheet to help you get started. Select 1 activity from the sheet and test it out it out in this coming week.
If you already have a twitter account, or decide to set one up, you’ll find me  @jenniferbradle. 

 

Twitter: What to Consider

Twitter can be an important tool for job search and career change.  According to
Pew research the more widespread  use of smartphones is associated with a significant growth in the number of people using twitter on a regular basis.  From the employer’s perspective, twitter offers a quick and inexpensive way to fill vacancies.

Challenges for Job-Seekers

One of the biggest challenges to using twitter effectively as a job-seeker is managing the inherent distractions.   It’s very easy to quickly feel overwhelmed by such vast volumes of information. How do you know you are not just wasting your time?

I am currently taking training with 2 of the authors of The Twitter Job Search Guide.  I look forward to sharing some of what I am learning about how to leverage this tool over the coming weeks.  Twitter won’t be useful for everyone, but it is definitely worth checking it out before you decide if it’s for you or not.

Identify What is Most Helpful  

There are many possible to use twitter for career and job search purposes. Examples might be finding out more about companies that you are targeting, identifying industry trends, reviewing job postings, and connecting with peer professionals, hiring managers, or industry leaders.

Create A Plan 

I suggest you that before you visit the site you create a simple plan.
Think about where you are in your career change or job search. What information would make the biggest difference at this point?

If you are new to twitter, the best place to begin may be to use it as a search tool.  Decide how much time you want to allocate this week and implement at least 1 of the activities below.  Read the rest of this brief article and  download this planning sheet to help you begin.

Choose 1 or 2 Activities to Begin

Having a strategy is essential. Choose the 1 or 2 activities that will help you find the information that is of greatest importance to you.  For example, if you are looking for new opportunities, identifying and connecting with employers that you would like to work for is a great start.

How to Connect with Prospective Employers

Begin with 5-10 of the companies from your target list
and search for them on twitter. Make a note of company twitter handles:@________. Check out the company profile, in addition to the personal profiles of any individuals who are posting for that company.

Review their posts.  Use search engines and other resources such as LinkedIn to find out more.

If you don’t yet have a target list of companies that you would like to work for,  go to the twitter site and search for @jobhuntorg. There you will find an “already compiled public list” of employers that use twitter to recruit directly. Check it out to see if there are any in your field.

 If you already have an account, you can go ahead and start following companies and people of interest, and expanding your list.

If you don’t have an account, you may want to check out the usefulness of the information before you decide to invest more time. Schedule 10 to 15 minutes to do regular searches for a period of time. If you find that you are gathering helpful data, consider setting up an account and becoming a more active user.

Twitter Can Open Doors 

Unlike LinkedIn, Twitter is an open network. This can make it easier to initiate conversations with people that otherwise would be out of reach.
Expanding the resources you have by developing connections with the right people  is a great way to speed up your search.

Other Job Search Help on Twitter

As you may have read in an earlier issue, I am participating in the Career Director’s International 2012 Educational Campaign.  If you’re completely new to twitter, this is a way to get expert help and familiarize yourself with twitter at the same time.  
Here’s how: Search for #cdisst or
Follow @careerhero. 

 

Questions & Comments?


Use the box below to post questions or comments.
You can contact me directly here.