What I Did:
Instead of focusing on what I had done professionally in the past, I focused on what I wanted to do in the future.
How I Did It:
I started a blog and decided to to share my ideas with not just prospective employers, but the rest of the world. Writing on a regular basis will increase your communication skills, an important characteristic to have in any industry. By showcasing your ideas through writing posts and demonstrating your listening skills through the exchange with your audience, you are displaying skills that are relevant for success and growth, instead of just telling them in a standard resume.
I also utilized multiple social media networks to find others that shared similar interests and passions. Like most relationships the more you give, the more you'll receive. These connections aren't just an audience of virtual friends that you've made online, they're a close-knit network of individuals that promote you and your ideas to their personal and professional connections. This ultimately gives way for more job opportunities to come your way through personal recommendations.
Advice
- Don't get frustrated. Using untraditional job searching tactics may seem frivolous at first, but your really laying the groundwork for your career in the long-term.
- Be yourself. It's important when using social media for job searching purposes that your personality shines through your communication skills. Don't be scared to show what makes you unique because that is what will set you apart from the other applicants.
- It's all about community. The best thing about social media is the community. I haven't come across anyone that wasn't open to help, give advice or guide me when I first started out.
