Job Hunting with or without a Personal Brand
The Class of 2009 has spent the months after graduation looking for a job. 40,000 of this year’s graduates are hunting (via http://www.guardian.co.uk/). What happens next? Are you fully prepared?
Finally, the day has arrived. You’ve landed an interview with a wonderful company doing what you love to do.
First you put on your best business attire and get into the car. You’re the definition of a professional.
The car ride to the interview is important, so you listen to music that pumps you up or some that calms you down.
As you pull up to the building your excitement increases.
You walk into the lobby and address the receptionist. I have an interview with “person who can change my life” or more commonly known as Ms. Boss.
The interview goes extremely well – you’ve not only clearly shown that you’re the best prospect for the position but also you’ve built rapport with Ms. Boss who has you leaving the interview confident you will be hired within a few days.
Ms. Boss heads back to her office confident she has great candidates. Ms. Boss reviews all her notes from the interviews and narrows it down to the top three prospects and you are one.
The normal routine begins. The three resumes are all equally good, qualified, and each candidate interviewed well.
Feeling some anxiety Ms. Boss decides to leave the office early and think it over. As Ms. Boss finishes her evening she decides to “Google” the prospects to see what see may find.
The first prospect name shows nothing.
The second prospect name also shows nothing.
Finally she enters your name and finds not only your professional blog, personal website, Facebook page, but your Flickr account of travel photos.
Ms. Boss goes through your blog and likes your ideas, creativity, and method of expression.
Ms. Boss is relieved.
The next day you receive a phone call – You’re hired. I really liked your blog.
Personal Brands are important. Opportunities arise when we put ourselves out into the world and control how we are represented.
Other posts you may be interested in:
- Career Hub: Technology Tools for Job Seekers – Part 3
- Social Media for Writers
- Steps to Change the Meaning of Social Media
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I have heard of similar stories where people are hired or not based on what they have out there. It seems increasingly important that we create the image we want on the web and not let it develop on its own. I mean… we do that in person don’t we? Might as well do it on here too.
This is a perfect example. And one is lucky if they find nothing…what if…they find something negative that was posted awhile ago and nothing positive to counter it. You’re dead. Thanks for the insight.
The world has certainly changed…you described old school process, yet many good hires occurred in those days…one thing the Ms Boss would have done – followed up on references. With that being said – Social Networking is an obvious additional to the job search arsenal. Good job!
Colleen – In order to anticipate this situation always Google yourself. Thank you Coleen.