Oneupweb : Are You In? – Going Digital With Your Resume

Recently, I had a conversation with an applicant regarding LinkedIn and the benefits of having a profile accessible during their job search.  Having been out of the workforce for a few years, she hadn’t really known how to start her quest for the perfect career and how social media has completely evolved, even within the hiring process.  Sure, having a well formulated resume and cover letter can get your foot in the door, but they are also a dying breed.  Recruiters are looking for applicants who stand out from the crowd and the ability to access a professional profile at the click of a mouse is an added bonus to many.

Personally, I think LinkedIn is the easiest and quickest way for newbies to professionally showcase their talents for the following reasons:

1. You aren’t limited in your space – There is no one-page restriction to showcase your talents and accomplishments. You can fill the online space to your heart’s content.
2. Recommendations – Did you kick a$$ on a client project? Did you blow your sales goal out of the water? Ask reputable LinkedIn connections for a recommendation to add merit to your profile.
3. Networking – Ever heard of the saying, “It’s all about who you know?” Well, who do you know? Or want to know? Connect and network with key leaders in your industry.
4. The Ability to Join Groups – Search for groups in your field and start posting.  I’m part of a Social Media Marketing group and small business owners are sharing their Facebook pages to grow their fan base. Neat!

If you aren’t one of the 135 million current members of LinkedIn; join, it’s free. You can even job search and apply to open positions.  As of September 30, 2011, hundreds of thousands of job applications have been submitted using Apply With LinkedIn.

If you are a member and still aren’t wowing potential employers, look into creating a professional blog or website. I’ve even seen some pretty neat things put together on Prezi and Glogster.  Be creative and brand yourself by staying current and consistent. You may even be able to land the final rose (the perfect job!)

Searching for a career in Digital Marketing? Check out Oneupweb’s Career Page to learn more about opportunities, culture and life as a Oneupweb-ber!