Tell the world you are looking for a job

Edited by Blanca Carton, March 2010

There is no question that the Internet is increasingly present in staff selection processes, which is enough reason not to forget the Web when looking for a job.  The online community removes geographical barriers when it comes to job hunting.  For example, why not apply for job in London, Berlin or Dubai?

One of the advantages of this world 2.0 is the possibility to make your own brand and show others how good you are from your personal Web page, LinkedIn profile, Facebook, Twitter or your own blog.  Engage in conversation with other bloggers, comment, express your views, argue… Little by little you will make yourself known and become a point of reference for companies looking for someone that suits your profile. New technologies open the door for a whole new world of online opportunities.

Even though there is no magic formula, I do believe I can give you some tips for success:

1. Rule number ONE is be honest about yourself.  More and more companies google the names of job candidates to see how they present themselves on the Internet. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not, be honest.
2. Use different communication channels:   As I said before, a professional network like LinkedIn, a Facebook account and a Twitter account are more than enough to get yourself started. 
3. Prepare a graphical resume or create a video resume showing your communication skills and post it on YouTube, Google Video, etc. Sites like these are becoming increasingly used by human resources departments in the United States for job candidate selection. Before posting a video resume, make sure you don’t give away any personal information. Use an email address created just for this purpose which can be easily canceled afterwards.  
4. Take a video of yourself showing your language skills, or create a gallery with your latest works and add it to your resume.

It is up to you to make the most of the countless communication tools provided by the Internet.  Capturing recruiters’ attention can make the difference between entering a job selection process or not.

All you need is a computer, a Web browser and your imagination!