If you ask me, job seeking has changed quite a bit. Remember when all you had to do was polish your resume, find a semi-decent clean suit, and make sure you showed up to the interview on time? Well, not quite anymore…Social media has become an increasingly important part of our careers and businesses, and also an crucial aspect of job searching.
Not only is it possible to find your ideal job by leveraging the power of social media, but it’s actually recommended. According to this study by the Society of Human Resource Management, 65 percent of companies used social media to help them hire their employees. More specifically, 57 percent of companies used Linked for their hiring needs, while 19 percent turned to Facebook.
While being on social media can mean looking at memes all day long and getting updated on Beyonce’s latest fashion hit, it can also mean making yourself more marketable. Which in turn can help you land the job of your dreams (and justify those late nights watching natural hair videos on Instagram).
Here are 7 tips to use social media to find your ideal job and stand out in an otherwise crowded job market:
Clean Up Time!
This may sound obvious, but we don’t do it quite often enough: Clean and update your social media accounts. This includes ensuring that your social media pages and channels are squeaky clean, which also means removing any profanities, risky party pictures, or politically-charged and offensive content.
Don’t get me wrong, you are certainly entitled to your opinions and using your social media accounts as you wish. However, keep in mind that in order to increase your chances to be hired, it’s best to keep a clean profile. You can use apps like Simple Wash to clean up your Facebook page, for instance.
Look Professional!
You know those blurry profile pictures snapped by the hubby on a rainy afternoon? Yes, those…They’re not exactly what you should use as profile pictures if you want to leverage your social media accounts for work.
Instead, invest in clear and professional pictures that clearly show your face, preferably smiling. Your pictures should convey your professional persona, in addition to a friendly, approachable appearance. You can use apps like Photofeelerto determine whether your pictures look professional enough. You can also get inspired by other professionals in and outside of your field.
Mind your keywords
Many do not realize that companies use automated searches on Linked In and in resumes for their hiring needs. This is why it’s important to capitalize on the power of keywords when using social media to find your ideal job.
Make an inventory of the job descriptions that are of interest to you, and research the keywords used in these. As you list your skills online, make sure to include them as part of it, as well as on your resume.
Networking is key!
It’s important to keep connecting and networking with the people and companies linked with your ideal job, especially the hiring managers of the companies you dream of working at. You should be open to accepting most professional connection requests on social media. You never know who you can meet through social media.
Blog Away!
Blogging is a powerful way to establish your authority and share your knowledge in a certain field or area. Every time you write an article on a topic relevant to your ideal job or company, you increase your chances of standing out among a sea of candidates.
Whether you blog on your own website or guest-post on different sites, share fresh and relevant content in your field or industry. A great place to publish your writing and get noticed by hiring managers is LinkedIn Pulse.
Showcase your work!
You can also include a link to your best projects from current or past jobs on your social media pages or channels. You may also want to link your website, if you have one, to your social media profiles.
The point is to showcase your work and position yourself as an expert in your field. Think of it as your professional media kit shared on your social media platforms.
Develop your personal brand!
Develop and grow a consistent personal brand across all your social media platforms. The goal is to get people to know you, know what you do, and identify with your goals and objectives. Lastly, make sure your personal brand matches your social media profiles
How do you use social media to find your ideal job?
If you’ve ever unexpectedly lost your job, you know it’s certainly not a good feeling. If you haven’t, it’s probably one of the most painful experiences you’ll ever go through. It’s especially true when it’s unexpected and through no fault of your own. Although for some, it can be one of the best things to happen to their careers, the initial hurt is hard to avoid.
According to career placement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, job cuts soared 218%in the month of January 2016 . No wonder the fear of losing their jobs is haunting so many professionals at work. After all, it means not only losing your paycheck, but also foregoing your daily routine, your health benefits, work perks, and the friendships you may share with co-workers. Despite the traumatic consequences of losing one’s job, there are a few things you can do to lessen the negative impact.
Here are 7 steps to follow when you unexpectedly lose your job:
Give yourself some time and space
Losing a job is a painful experience. It requires time and space to get over it and start fresh. The point here is not to transfer the potential resentment, discouragement and bitterness you may have felt into your next experience. Take some time to reflect over what has happened, and make a commitment to let go of the negative part before embarking on your next professional adventure.
File for unemployment
If you have been let go from your previous position through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment. However, even if you have been fired, there are instances in which you can claim unemployment benefits. Carefully research your options and start filing as soon as possible.
Explore health insurance and retirement plan options
Make sure to check with Human Resources or with your manager for options to continue your health coverage. Otherwise, research new options to cover you while you’re out of work. You may also want to check on available options to maintain your existing pension plan or 401k.
Mind your budget
Even when you get unemployment benefits, these will most likely amount to less than the paycheck you used to get. Start thinking about ways to save money or build alternative sources of income while you look for another job. Keep in mind that many states have shortened the length of unemployment benefits, so plan for it as well in your budget!
Clean up and Revamp your Resume, Linked In Profile and Social Media accounts
Don’t wait to update your resume and Linked In profile before applying for available positions. As you apply for jobs, highlight your most relevant qualifications and skills. Don’t forget to also revisit your Linked In Profile, and ensure it matches your resume. If possible, seek out additional recommendations to add, and infuse a touch of originality with your particular skills and abilities!
Employers do research potential employees online, including their social media accounts. You may want to remove any questionable content or pictures on there, or adjust your privacy settings at the very least.
Reconnect with your network
It’s easy to forget all about networking while you’re employed. However, losing your job unexpectedly makes you realize how much you need to re-connect with it. Go ahead and contact past colleagues and managers, sign up for networking events and ask your contacts to let you know of any job openings in the future.
Get Your Job Search Underway
Only focus on job listings that match your interests and skills. Save your precious time and avoid positions that aren’t a good fit. Prepare to write targeted cover letters in which you present a compelling case for yourself. Don’t forget to practice your negotiation and interview skills as well!
Whether it’s for a better opportunity or to leave an unfulfilling, or even toxic, situation, walking away from your job is no easy task. It almost always requires some form of adjustment of one sort of another. There are may reasons why you may be thinking, or may already have, quit your job. Despite these, it’s always best to quit a job, any job for that matter, without burning bridges.Or at least without burning too many bridges…
You may be called to remain in the same network, or may even have to come back to the organization you’re leaving in the future, or keep in touch with the people there. These individuals may also serve as references for you in the future. Which is exactly why it’s always best to say goodbye on professional terms.
Here are 5 tips to reflect on and use as you plan on or act upon quitting your job without burning bridges:
Be flexible
As you leave your job, you may want to show some willingness and flexibility to finish your work and train the next person. While two weeks is customary, you may consider offering a longer resignation period, unless you’ve already committed to a start date at your next job. It really depends on your prior commitment, your agreement with the next ob or project you’re moving on to, and your relationships in your current work environment. In any case, be as considerate and show as much flexibility as you can.
The only caveat in this case is that you may want to avoid giving too much notice. The minute you decide to leave, you’re already perceived as an outsider anyways. Think about it when working to strike a balance between enough notice and too much notice as you quit your job.
Let your boss know first!
After deciding to resign, you should announce it to your manager first. The last thing you want is for your boss to hear it from someone else before it gets to him/her. Not only is it a sign of respect, but it allows you to have the initial conversation with him/her directly and avoid any “he says/she says” surrounding your departure.
After you’ve told your manager, you can then decide how your resignation gets communicated to the rest of the office. Whether it’s in an email, during a meeting, or personally informing key people, it’s up to you to pick the best way to inform others at your workplace.
Express thanks!
Being grateful for the time you’ve had in a certain position goes a long way. It shows that regardless of what may have transpired, you are professional enough to end your tenure on a positive note. Whether it’s a general thank you email on your last day, or personalized thank you notes, don’t forget to thank those you’ve worked alongside of throughout your time at the company.
You can even go the extra mile by mentioning particular things you’re thankful for, such as a mentor taking time to guide you through your tenure, or a co-worker assisting you on multiple projects. While you may not need to broadcast these specifics, you may want to tell these particular people how they’ve affected your career. Not only is it considerate and touching, but it’s also just great karma!
Let it go and don’t leave on a sour note!
You may be prompted to leave bad managers or toxic wok environments during your careers. Whatever the case may be, it’s important not to leave on a sour note. While there may have been challenging situations in your work, avoid dwelling on the negative as you quit your job.
If asked about issues that occurred during your tenure, spin these as learning opportunities rather than complaints. Refrain from speaking negatively about anyone, especially during your exit interview. Always ask yourself: “What positives have I learnt from the situation?”, and present it instead of exiting on a bitter and resentful note. Be as professional and positive as you, and karma will do the rest!
5. Don’t be a stranger!
Regardless of the circumstances of your departure, don’t be a stranger! The last thing you want to do is lose the network you’ve grown and built already. Professional contacts can help you expand your network, and tap into new opportunities as you move on to new ventures.
As you quit, exchange your contact information with your peers, colleagues and managers. Connect with them on Linked In, and periodically keep in touch to keep your network fresh and engaged!
Leaving your job on a positive and professional note is a great recipe for career progress and fulfillment. It shows your maturity, class and professionalism, and continues to set the foundation for your career success as you move on to bigger and better opportunities!
What would you recommend to quit your job without burning bridges?
As working moms, it can be challenging not to face the “mommy bias” at work, especially when we have to make special arrangements in our careers and businesses. Early pickups, flexible work arrangements, or impromptu family-related emergencies, are all par for the course when it comes to being a working mom. This may also resulting in a mommy bias at work when co-workers and even managers begin resenting the flexibility or circumstances of a working parent.
As a working mom, I often felt scared of asking for flexibility at work. While I was fortunate to work with understanding co-workers and managers when it came to having work-life integration, there was always a fear of the “mommy bias”. What if leaving on time or early would keep me from getting a promotion? What if my colleagues would think I’m a slacker? Speaking to other working moms, I realized that in certain environments, the “mommy bias” could lead to women being ignored, resented, or flat-out punished for being parents.
As much as we may think that our society has progressed and mentalities have evolved, the truth remains that the traditional role of moms caring for their babies at home is still largely upheld. This underlying bias is real, although often denied. More often than not, women with children or expecting babies, are deemed to be less competent. It is assumed that taking care of a household and family is incompatible with excelling at work, which results in many women being taken off the leadership track or simply relegated to lower-profile assignments.
As archaic as it may sound, this reality is prevalent for many, if not most working moms. However, there are ways you can fight it in your workplace or business.
Here are some tips to fight the “mommy bias” at work:
Be strategic!
Since you already know the reality of the working mom bias and how it can affect your career, you need to be as strategic as possible about your career, especially as you approach maternity leave. Before leaving to give birth, make sure to have a conversation with your manager and team to ensure that there is a clear understanding that this new phase of your life does not alter your career.
Have a plan in place for your return to work, and as much as possible, work to have your manager and team commit to it. It’s important that all parties understand what is on the table, and prepare accordingly.
Keep showing your ongoing interest and commitment in your work
Even after having children, post-maternity leave and an ongoing basis, keep showing how committed you are to your work. While there exists an assumption that working moms may be less effective at their jobs, do not let it derail you from your career goals.
Set up regular meetings with your team and management to reiterate your commitment to your work, and set clear goals for your career. The last thing you want to do is be discouraged and throw in the towel.
Be prepared to fight for opportunities!
Along with showing your commitment, you also want to motivate yourself to fight for the career opportunities you deserve. Many working moms are unfortunately at a disadvantage when it comes to being considered for high-profile assignments or positions. However, this shouldn’t keep you from defending the work you have done, demonstrating excellence and arguing your case.
Don’t let the fact that you may be overlooked at times deter you from seeking the right opportunities for your career. Instead, use it as fuel to do your best work.
Take it easy on yourself
As much as you should be prepared to fight this mommy bias at work, you also have to keep in mind that you have a lot on your plate. It’s challenging to deal with children, the household, your relationship, and be a beaming light of hope at work. Can you do it with flying colors? Yes, certainly.
However, you should be mindful of prioritizing your self-care and checking in with yourself as often as you can. Being a committed employee does not mean sacrificing yourself in order to keep everyone comfortable. Decide how much you’re able to give and what you need to keep yourself at the top of your game and happy.
Now your turn: How do you fight the mommy bias at work?
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As working women, it’s so important to cultivate the self-confidence we need in order to reach our goals and dreams. Without self-confidence, we also cannot face the many challenges and obstacles that come with being a working woman. From the pay gap to not having access to the decision rooms in our careers and businesses, it’s crucial for us women to harness and leverage our self-confidence.
In this video, I recap some tips to build more self-confidence in our careers, businesses and lives:
Now your turn: How do you build more self-confidence as a working woman?
As a professional or an entrepreneur, how many times have you felt overwhelmed by technology? Do you often seek a respite from the onslaught of apps, alerts, and other tools that are supposed to increase your productivity but instead diminish it? And how many times have you had to put your smartphone away to focus on the task at hand or avoid a disaster (hello, distracted driving!)? I know I have, many times over…Truth is, in the midst of our distraction-prone, tech-addicted, multi-tasking society, focusing and being your most productive self can be a challenge. Yet, it really can be as simple as going back to the basics and… putting pen to paper.
I grew up in Senegal, West Africa, at a time when simplicity was a way of life. If you missed a phone call, you wouldn’t know until you got home (and that’s if you even had a phone at home). Tests were administered on paper, and you didn’t have to fear a technical glitch would mess up your entire day. While I didn’t realize it then, this simplified way of life that promoted note-taking and limited distractions also helped with learning faster in general. According to this Psychological Science study, the process of taking notes significantly improves learning and information retention.
There’s just something about pen and paper that instantly warms my heart. Some of my best childhood memories involve paper of some sort. As a busy working mom, I watch my own daughter collect journals, notebooks and pens with nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the gift of paper in work and life. While it may seem that smartphones, apps and other electronic gadgets are taking over our lives, the truth is, putting pen to paper is still one of the best ways to learn, be our most productive selves, and enjoy the process of creativity and life in general:
Write and read to enhance your personal growth
If you’ve ever felt unsure, down or depressed, you know how writing down your feelings and thoughts can improve your mood. Even better, it can help significantly enhance your personal growth. There’s a reason why it’s called “writing therapy“. I journal daily as a mental and spiritual practice to help me process my emotions, get clear on my strategy and grow through what I go through.
Have you also noticed how refreshing it is to read on paper? As a matter of fact, reading on paper has been proven to help improve memory and increase mental development. My most relaxing moments are spent with a physical book such as the entrepreneurial masterpiece Rework. That’s why I challenge myself to read as much as I can every single day, even if that means hiding in the bathroom away from the kids. To challenge yourself to read more, you can join here to take the pledge to read 15 pages a day.
Put pen to paper to achieve your goals
Writing down your goals and objectives is a great way to clarify them. It also empowers you to pursue them with added resolve. Best-selling author and entrepreneur Tony Robbins advises going further than just thinking about your goals, and actually writing them down.
There’s something about writing down your objectives that not only motivates you to achieve them. It also allows you to check back on them and track your progress, in addition to keeping distractions at bay, including messages, apps and videos. I love doing so and enjoying the experience with fun tools such as the pre-sharpened, original hardwood pencils from the General Pencil Company.
Use paper to slow down and refuel
Have you noticed how many apps exist to actually help you shut down the noise of technology? There are actually many tools available to mute notifications from computers and smartphones, and help you be tech-free for a while.
As much as I love using technology, I make it a point to step away from it periodically, tune out and put pen to paper to slow down and refuel. One of my favorite daily activities is journaling, which helps me process my thoughts and emotions and get more clarity on my goals.
Another one of my absolute favorite things to do is reading. For me, there’s nothing like the smell and feel of a traditional paper book to get in my relaxed zone. Despite being a busy mom, I try to make the time to read at least a half-hour every day. You can do the same by taking the pledge to read 15 pages a day.
Increase your creativity with paper
According to Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, even the simple act of jotting down notes on paper helps cultivate your creativity. As a creative person, I’m always amazed at what happens when I start putting pen to paper. Ideas I may not have thought about previously unexpectedly come out and new creations emerge.
Even for non-creatives, writing things down can spark unusual inspiration and creativity. It’s the reason why I carry a planner or notebook like the Panda Planner along with me at all times. Not only is it easier to transport than a computer, there’s also no worrying about finding a power source in case the battery dies.
Boost your career with writing
Using paper can make all the difference in your job search and career. Sending a written thank you note after an interview adds a distinctive touch that makes you stand out in a sea of emails. Similarly, written thank you notes foster positive relationships while at work. It’s a personal step that sets you apart from the crowd, and impacts your relationships significantly. I personally love the Erin Condren notecards for their professional and elegant look. A thoughtful thank you card may just be the lasting touch that gets you the job, or helps you finalize the business deal. It also activates feelings of gratitude in you, which keep your brain healthy and happy. An overall win-win…
In addition, lessening your dependence on technology can help you avoid losing precious documents or ideas due to lack of power or unavailable wi-fi. Don’t let a low battery or missing wi-fi signal keep you from writing down a great idea so you don’t forget it, or foregoing hours of work as a result of technical issues.
Get organized
While there are many electronic to-do list options available, paper to-do lists are still more efficient. An electronic to-do list can easily be lost behind another screen, but a paper list provides an easier visual cue you can keep on hand to remind you of what you have to do. Additionally, a paper to-do list motivates you to achieve your goals faster, so as not to have to rewrite them.
I’m obsessed with the Knock Knock Goals notepad, as a fun way to list my goals and keep them visible all day long. As a Certified Public Accountant, it’s also important for me to keep track of all my business documentation by using file folders such as the Carson Dellosa smart and colorful file folders.
Get happier
Overall, using paper to write about your goals, process your emotions, list your tasks, and so many other written activities, can generally make you happier. According to this 2011 study, such writing can foster increased well-being, as well as decreased incidences of illnesses.
There’s power in being able to shut down the noise around you, focus on your goals and engage in a process of creativity that pushes you to be your best self.
In conclusion, using paper is a powerful way to balance out your use of technology and tune out the external noise for greater productivity and focus. Fostering your personal growth, learning faster, and living better can be as simple as putting pen to paper. Let’s start today…
For more inspiration on being your most productive and best self, visit 15 pages a day.
