By Team CareerJini
If you want to advance in your career, one of the best ways to do that is by appearing online.
These days, employers are looking online. Employers use professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to look for job candidates.
Not only that but building an online presence can help grow your network beyond the office or region where you work. Online communities and social media allow you to interact with others in your field -- regardless of location.
With a stronger network in your field, you open yourself up to more job opportunities and visibility in your industry.
So why not create an online personal brand to help advance your career? Creating an online presence can help you stand out from others in your field.
When applying for a higher position, having an online presence shapes what employers see when they look you up online. Curating an online presence shows creativity and gives future employers opportunities to learn about you beyond a resumé.
The online persona you present online can be someone’s first impression about you.
Here’s how you can create a captivating online presence:
Introduce yourself, your values, and your skills. Think about the company you want to work for and what values are important to you.
What skills can you offer to companies and teams in the future?
Why do you enjoy working in your field?
What motivates you to do what you are doing?
Cater your online presence to your employers. Find creative ways to display your skill set and set high expectations of what you can bring to the table.
For example, if you’re a graphic designer, showcase a portfolio of your graphics on a website or social media.
If you’re a project manager, write case studies about different projects you’ve taken from inception to completion.
Keep written statistics of the achievements you accomplish at work.
Join communities or websites related to your field. You can use the Internet to network, too! By joining communities related to your field, you open yourself up to potential job opportunities in the future or a colleague you can go to when you’re looking for advice.
Actively participate and network at online seminars in your field.
Find and interact with others in your field on a social media network such as LinkedIn or Twitter.
Find an online community, such as a LinkedIn group or Facebook group, where you can network with others, offer support, or ask questions.
Create content, or personal projects. Displaying content or personal projects shows that you are dedicated to improving your skills. It might also show unique skills, such as problem-solving, sales, or customer service.
Add credibility through testimonials or reviews. Testimonials or reviews give social proof to potential employers of the strengths you can bring to the job. Ask employers and colleagues to send personal testimonials through email or LinkedIn so you can show the assets you will bring to an organization.
The more you invest in your online presence, the more potential employers can imagine how well you would fit within their company culture.
Everyone who applies for the next job will be submitting a resumé and cover letter. These things can display your skills and work experience, but developing an online presence can also show your personality and values.
By developing an online presence, you have the opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Future employers can get an insight into your own values, personality, and work ethic - and get to know you on a deeper level than they would just reading your resumé.
The work you do to build an online presence will undoubtedly leave a positive impression on future employers and help you advance in your career!