Job Searching in the Age of Social Networking

Matt, a friend of mine contacted me a few days ago.  He knows I used to prepare résumés for folks.  He was starting a job search and needed some help. 

Some time ago I pretty much shelved that whole business of preparing individual résumés because I was way too busy doing other things.  But, when I looked at his résumé I realized I could craft him a new one faster than I could tell him how to fix the modest problems his had.

After I did that, I sent it off to him in an email and added some advice.

I thought that others who are looking for a job right now might be able to benefit from what I told Matt, so here it is:

    Make sure you print this resume and the references sheet (when you provide it) on 20 or 24 pound bond paper, preferably light cream colored.  No other color on the page (no flecks, etc.).  Don’t use white, because it will disappear amid other white papers on a desk.

    Always send a hard copy to those who you send an electronic copy and use envelopes that match the resume paper.  Address the envelope neatly in blue ink by hand.  Always send a cover letter with your resume, whether you send it electronically or in hard copy.

    Your cover letter should NOT be hand-written.  It should address the recipient by name and title.  Refer to the job you are applying for and where you found the job lead (or who referred you).  Briefly point out skills you have displayed in your resume that match some of those in the job listing.  Mention any relevant skills or experiences that may not be evident in your resume.  Conclude with a positive statement such as “I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss my qualifications for this position and how I can add to the reputation for high performance you and your team have earned within our company.  After you finish reviewing my resume, please call me right away at sss-sss-ssss so we can arrange an appointment to meet.”

    Sign the cover letter in blue ink.

    Include a postscript that says:  “PS:  If you would like to read additional information about me please feel free to view my professional profile on LinkedIn.com or you can see my personal side through my Facebook Profile at XXXXXX 


    Trust me on this, they will look whether you invite them or not.  That is why your online presence needs to be managed.  If you have anything embarrassing to you on your FB page, get rid of it NOW! Matt is working in Operations Management and although he is just starting out, he wants to make a career in that field.  Because of that, the next day, I sent him this as a followup…

    I see that you have already created a linkedin profile and started working it.  If you want to build your brand as an Operations Management Expert, I suggest you do a couple of things:

1)      Join some interest groups in linkedin or other places related to this topic as well as subscribing to publications that cater to this profession

2)      Create a blog where you share your insights, learnings and experiences.  As you interact in the special interest groups (see #1 above) you should use your blog link as part of your electronic signature and from time to time suggest that if someone wants to know more about a topic they can read more on your blog.

    The purpose of these two activities is to increase your “googleability” and to link your name with your chosen profession so that it builds your reputation as an expert in your field.  This will increase your prestige and make it easier for you to  command higher pay in your field.  At first, you will be a designated expert.  Over time you will become a true expert and a source of information and learning for others. At some point, you may be able to get paid to teach others what you know about Operations Management.

So, what is YOUR Googleability?  When a prospective employer or client puts your name into Google and searches, do you appear on the first page of their search?  When they do find you, are there embarrassing pictures or messages out there that could damage your credibility?

If you want to learn more about how to avoid these and other pitfalls of job hunting in the age of the internet, I suggest you get a copy of my book “Fire Yourself: Get the JobYou Want”

Tom Sheppard is the author of "Fire Yourself: Get the Job You Want" available from XLibris Press and on both Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Tom has been successfully investing in real estate since 2001 while working part time. In 2008 he left a six-figure job as an enterprise project manager with a major national bank to manage his real estate business full-time. His goal is to help 100,000 people find peace of mind by finding quality, affordable homes. He is currently looking to expand his network of funding partners who are helping him achieve this goal. If you would like to know more about how you can Do Well By Doing Good (TM), go to www.CharlotteWealthPartners.com