Blog 17: Job Hunting? Make the Right Impression Through Your Digital Footprint

Think back to your last job interview. So you were all prepped…Clothes were ironed, research was done, resume was printed and you rehearsed your answers. Great, you were set!

But wait, you forgot one thing… Did you check your digital footprint? If your prospective employer googled you, what would come up? What is your viral potential? Do you stand out from the web crowd? Waters (2010) cites that 3 out of 5 recruiters pursue candidates via social media than the traditional means of recruiting.

So what does this mean for the job applicant of the social media generation? Prospective employers may prefer candidates that are socially savy in a professional way. It’s time to establish your personal brand online. One way to achieve this is to enhance your social media presence. Join Linked In, open a Twitter account, create a blog, get connected on Facebook. But remember to ensure image consistency across these channels to accurately represent your personal brand.

Another way is to create a Visual CV / resume. Online portfolios and Visual CVs allow you to showcase your personal brand and skills in an innovative manner, transforming you from a faceless personality to a dynamic, pro-active individual. Visual CVs can add more value to a candidate than a traditional one-page resume. You can upload work samples, presentations, videos, speeches, articles, websites and podcasts - all in one consolidated place - making it easier for employers to obtain information about you during an online search.

Many job seekers are turning to Visual CVs and employing digital technology to gain an edge over other job applicants. While there may be some potential downsides to a Visual CV - (1) too much personal information on the web (2) possible bias in an employers' decision making process since an applicant’s age, gender, race or disability are visible through photos and videos - there are still many who are embracing this medium. What are your thoughts about the pros and cons of Visual CVs? Are they the next wave of the future? Are traditional paper based CVs moving out? : )