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? : )

Blog 16: PETA Scores High Marks for Relationship Cultivation on Facebook

Waters, et. al. (2009) state that for non-profits, “solely having a profile (on social networking sites) will not itself increase awareness or trigger an influx of participation. Instead careful planning and research will benefit nonprofits as they attempt to develop social networking relationships with their stakeholders” p.102). People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is one organization that has done its research and effectively used Facebook to engage audiences world-wide and build relationships with them. A whopping 503,674 fans – that’s PETA’s fan base on Facebook!

Waters, et. al. (2009) recommend three strategies that organizations can employ for online relationship cultivation. These are in bold.

PETA:
(1) Mostly practices organizational disclosure. On its Facebook page, the non-profit has listed its mission statement, programs, year of founding and a link to its website. It could have also included a logo and a list of administrators of its Facebook profile. But I would give it 9 out of 10 marks for organizational disclosure.

(2) Believes in information dissemination. The non-profit’s Facebook page contains links to 844 notes, 24 photo albums, 1,268 fan photos, 158 videos, and 77 fan videos. The non-profit could have also provided links to news items, press releases, campaign summaries and audio files. Overall, I would give it a good 8 out of 10 marks for information dissemination.

(3) Encourages audience involvement. On PETA’s Facebook page, you can easily become its fan, follow it on Twitter, or sign up for PETA E-News and special announcements. The non-profit also has a notes page and an events calendar. PETA could do better by providing a phone number and email address of a named organizational representative, list current volunteer opportunities and state how people can make charitable donations. 8 out of 10 marks for a reasonably good effort to encourage audience involvement.

Overall, PETA has done an excellent job in keeping its Facebook profile updated, relevant, interactive and transparent. The non-profit recognizes the value of social networking sites to enhance public image, garner support for its causes and cultivate relationships with its stakeholders.

Tomorrow, 15 March 2010 is the International Day of Action for Seals! PETA has scored high marks on relationship cultivation with its publics. Why not show them your support and join the online rally. There are already 21,905 confirmed guests. So, how do you think organizations like PETA can improve their efforts to reach out effectively to their stakeholders. What have they done right, what have they done wrong and what can they do better? : )