The days of needing just a paper resume, cover letter and list of references when applying for a new job are over. The ever-evolving landscape of the web world have changed the job search market indefinitely.
I learned this invaluable lesson in graduate school at Texas State University. Before attending the Mass Communications’ program, I had never even thought about creating an online profile. To be completely honest, I had absolutely no idea that Twitter served such a crucial purpose in networking and job hunting. In less than two years, I gained valuable insight into the importance of creating a solid online portfolio and how tools like Twitter can help you leverage your value to employers.
Having a significant online footprint, including a virtual resume and an online and social media portfolio, is an increasingly crucial component in separating yourself from the seemingly endless pack of potential employees. Employers are utilizing sites like LinkedIn to find their next employee. Recruiters continually look at potential employees’ online presence, including social media sites.
So, how can developing a detailed online portfolio work for you?
The New York Times recently discussed some of the benefits of creating and managing a detailed online portfolio. For one thing, recruiters and hiring managers conduct a simple Google search of you in order to discover your online behavior. By creating your own personal website and displaying your work online, you direct their attention to your skills and accomplishments. Plus, you show recruiters and hiring managers that you can create and manage a website. For many companies, this is a major plus. It shows that you are technically capable and have some ingenuity.
No matter what career field you are in, an online portfolio can aid you in achieving your future endeavors. If nothing else, it showcases your amazing skills and accomplishments and can even serve as a visual timeline of what you have done. Use your portfolio as a tool to showcase your future ambitions; where you want to go in your career path. Writing a blog is a simple way to illustrate your passions and writing skills while advancing your career!
In reality, creating your own website and blog is not too challenging, especially with content management systems like WordPress. Additionally, hosting your own site is relatively inexpensive. Web hosting sites like Bluehost and Doteasy offer great sign up deals. There really is no good excuse for delaying the establishment of a solid web presence!
Hopefully, the lesson that you take from this post is that having an online presence and a well-throughout resume can put you ahead of the pack. Don’t sit back and hope that your dream job comes to you, get yourself out in the web world and showcase your tremendous skills. Then, and only then, will employers stand up and take notice of you.
Photo uploaded to Flickr creative commons
