You're hired! Marketing tips for job-seekers

Finding a job can a difficult and stressful task, to say the least.  

Sometimes sending resumes and applying for jobs is not enough to land your dream job.  “Marketing” yourself and your qualifications to potential employers is sometimes easier said than done. Here are a few tips for job-seekers to consider:

Networking:   

Find networking events in your area that are associated with the field in which you are seeking employment.  If you are uneasy about attending these events alone, ask a friend to attend with you.  If you are unable to have someone go with you, keep in mind people who attend networking events are in the same boat as you.  Walk up to someone, introduce yourself and chances are they will be thankful that you did.  Besides a potential employer, you may even make new connections that know of other connections to land you an interview.

Nervous that someone will ask you where you work and you will have to tell them you’re unemployed?  Instead of answering the question directly, play the politician game and tell them the field you specialize in and talk about a project you worked on.  For instance, “I’m a digital marketer.  You may have heard of one of our projects! At [former company name] I helped to produce this video game which helps to teach elementary students the benefits of green energy.” 

Another way to divert the attention away from your “unemployment-ness” is to quickly answer their question and then follow-up with a question of your own.  For instance, “I’m in digital marketing with a focus on video game production.  How about yourself? What do you do?”  Most people love to talk about themselves and feel good when others want to hear more about what they have to say.  Ask them questions and keep the conversation light.  If you feel this person may be a benefit to your job search, then you may want to mention that you are currently looking for some new opportunities.  

Business cards are to networking events what menus are to restaurants.  Worried that you won’t have a business card ready to hand out? Make some! There are many online resources that you can create and order a set of business cards to use at networking events.  You don’t have to include a company name that you work for, just put your name, phone, email and area of expertise.  Consider adding a head shot of yourself.  

If you are involved in any volunteer or charity work, you may even want to ask the organization if you can include them on your card.  Not only is it free publicity for their cause, but this will show potential employers and connections that you care about your community.  As a nonprofit founder and leader, I warn you to ONLY include any organizations name if you are truly involved with them and after you have obtained permission from the organization.

Keep a handful of business cards on you even when you are not attending networking events.  You never know when you will meet someone!

Internships:

The wonderful world of internships are not only limited to college students and grads.  If you have not had any success in finding a job in your field, considering an internship may be your meal ticket to a job.  Browse the internet for internships which are available in your area within your field.  Some internships are unpaid but some are paid. 

If you are not having any luck finding available internships, research companies that you would like to work for and create a list of company name, address, phone number, contact person and any email address you can find.  Then spruce up your resume and send it over!  The next crucial step that you should also take even when applying for positions which are advertised is to follow up in a few days to a week with a phone call.  Ask to speak with the HR director or whoever takes care of hiring new employees.  Introduce yourself and see if they have a position available, whether it be an internship or an actual full-time position. 

This tactic may seem a bit forward but you never know what opportunities are out there unless you ask.  My opinion is that this tactic shows a potential employer that you are not only pro-active and interested in their company, but that you feel confident enough in your abilities to reach out to them even if they didn't advertise a position.

Many think of internships as a company’s way of getting “free work” when, in reality, most companies hire from within.  The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducted a survey in 2012 which showed internships have been leading to more and more jobs.  Working for a company as an intern, whether paid or un-paid, gives you a better chance of getting hired by that company than just sitting at the coffee shop, waiting for a job offer. 

If a job doesn't come to fruition after an internship, you will most certainly have gained experience, another piece to add to your resume and perhaps even a letter of recommendation.

Social media: 

Whether you are looking for a job or are currently employed, I can’t express how important it is to be careful of what you post on social media.  Even if you think your profiles are private, social media platforms change daily and your once “hidden” information may be visible to the world.

For instance, if you are not careful when posting a status update on Facebook, it may just automatically post to “Public.” If you would like to keep your post private, click on the down arrow next to the word Public and select one of the following: Friends, Only Me or Custom (to create a-- you guessed it-- custom list of friends.)

Inappropriate photos, drug or alcohol references, negative comments regarding current or previous employers and swearing are some of the obvious “what not to post” on social media. However less obvious posts such as bad grammar and punctuation, anti-political postings and even some “funny” photos can be viewed negatively.  When in doubt, don’t post!

Police officials have also warned social media users to take caution when posting their whereabouts online, as criminals are monitoring social media sites and can see when their victims are away from their home, what new electronic device they bought, where and when they are going on vacation, what cars they bought and even what schools their children attend. 

Post content and share information, news, links and tips which are related to your field.  Connect with others that share the same interests as you and engage with these users.  Share and “re-post” the information that you find useful with your followers.  Remember to thank those that connect with you and share your information.  The key to social media is to engage with your followers.

…and on that note! Remember to engage with me on Social Media!



As always, thank you for reading!