NPG co-creator Meghan and I are often unexpected subjects in many of the business we do and the meetings we take. Meghan's known for her creative style, while you'll likely see me in pretty, girly tops and dresses. We have both on more than one occasion closed a deal in high heels. As we arrived to KTLA's studios this morning, we were probably the last people everybody expected to be sharing tactics on job tips. But, who said work has to be boring?
In fact, thanks to the internet, everybody's a little closer to nailing the job or career of their dreams -- and it's easier than ever before. Below are the tips we shared on the segment this morning, courtesy of KTLA.com
1. The Internet can put you directly in front of the people who make hiring decisions
With social networks, blogs and email, people on the job hunt can get directly in front of who people who make hiring decisions at companies in virtually every industry. Use this to your advantage! Check and connect with people via sites like LinkedIn, a social network for business professionals (screen shot attached), Twitter, etc. The key is to engage professionally and carefully -- a simple note to say you admire their work and would love to hear more about what's going on at the company can be a great starting point.
2. Social networks and blogs can help you elevate your position and presence in the market resulting in real opportunities and work.
There are many cases of people using their own websites or blogs and leveraging social networks to elevate their presence and promote their work for real gain and opportunity. We're living proof of this -- Patricia created a website on a free website platform, built it up to 72 countries and sold it three years later, and now speaks all over the country about business. Meghan leverages social media to drive gigs on TV networks and spokesperson work.
3. Do your homework on companies online -- and potentially locate work
Use the internet to read up on company news, announcements, etc. in your industry. Companies that are recently funded usually end up hiring new talent, new departments and branch offices can mean new work. Think of the companies you'd like to work for and do a little research online about what they've been up to. It can also make you look good in interviews to be up on the industry and news.
4. Go beyond the job boards
The new hot sites for jobs go way beyond Monster.com. Craigs List is an amazing resource that puts you more directly in touch with hiring companies, and tons of new niche sites from blogs and specialty social networks like Gotcast, Mashable and bunches of others also have job listings. A lot of hiring managers now also put word out via Twitter and Facebook as well. Find the companies you want to work for and follow them while you're on the job hunt or if you want to get into a new role. You can also email companies directly and find listings on their sites.
5. Email is your cover letter
When submitting your resume, email is now like the cover letter piece that you'd include with your resume. Send a quick and concise two paragraphs about what you can do for them and how much you'd like to do it. Attach your resume in a PDF versus Word document to avoid formatting being messed up in transition. If you can, keep track of the emails that you've sent to and do a quick follow up a week or two later to check in. Most job postings get an endless amount of submissions -- it can be a way to stand out.
Other Tips
Set your personal social network pages private, and create a special one for work only. A lot of companies Google prospective employees to check them out. It can be useful to have social network pages for work but make sure those you are using are kept to professional or light personal. Keep the birthday party and spring break pictures for friends only.