Why Job Applicants Need Online Reputation Management

Why Job Applicants Need Online Reputation Management These days, jobs tend to be fairly few and far betweenâ€"so when a really good position becomes available, there is typically a long line of applicants waiting to fill it. This is something of a mixed blessing for most employers, who don’t always have the time it takes to sift through resumes and interview each and every potential candidate. For this reason, employers are constantly looking for ways to weed out any red-flag applicants as quickly and as easily as possible. Their method of choice: Google. Statistics reveal that at least 1 in 4 employers use online search engines to check up on job applicants before they even make it to the interview process. The implication, for those seeking employment, is clear: What the search engines say about you could really be make-or-break for you on a professional level. The Google problem: Certainly, search listings pose plenty of opportunities for disaster. There was a time when, in order to keep your nose clean and your reputation in check, you mostly just had to keep your name out of the headlines, and your mug shot out of the local paper. Nowadays, there is never any telling what sorts of embarrassing content could turn up on Google, Yahoo, or Bing. A compromising photo from a frat party could turn up, fifteen years later, and prove to be utterly disastrous. That could be all it takes to sink your employment prospects. The good news is that there are some steps that any job seeker can take to ensure that he or she has a clean online reputation. You may not be able to prevent old friends or disgruntled ex-partners from posting embarrassing stuff about you on the Internet, but you can see to it that these emba rrassing listings stay as hidden as possible. Monitoring your reputation: The first and most foundational step is simply to keep tabs on your own online reputation, by searching for yourself on a regular basis. Remember that a negative listing could appear at any time, and the last thing you want is for it to catch you by surprise. If your prospective employer finds an embarrassing online listing under your name, and you have no idea it’s even there, then walking into that job interview is like walking into an ambush! Simply searching for your name on a regular basis is helpful, but remember a couple of professional tips. One important step is to log out of any Google accounts (Google+, Gmail, and so on). Google delivers personalized search results, and if Google knows who you are, it may paint a rosy picture for you, not giving you an objective view of what’s really out there under your name. Another tip is to set up Google and Yahoo alertsâ€"easy ways to stay in the loop about new listings that appear. What  about social media? Social networksâ€"ranging from Facebook to Twitter to Pinterestâ€"post significant threats to your online reputation. That doesn’t necessarily mean that social networking should be avoided, but it does mean some precautions are in order. One vital concern is privacy settings. Keep these as stringent as you are able, because the very last thing you need, from a reputation standpoint, is for your account go get hacked and a bunch of embarrassing content to get passed around under your name. Second, consider keeping your professional and personal lives separate. Have a personal e-mail address that you associate with Facebook and Twitter, then a professional e-mail address that is only attached to LinkedIn. Obviously, this second account is the one you will want to use on job applications and on your resume. Building  your brand: At the end of the day, there is simply no way to prevent other people from posting negative or embarrassing content about you. What you can do is work to establish a strong, positive online reputation. By self-branding, and filling the Web with good, strong content about yourself, you’re effectively creating a strong defense that will keep negative listings at bay. Quick tips for building your personal, online brand: First, consider purchasing all of the exact-match domains associated with your name. For instance, if your name is Miranda Jeffries, get MirandaJeffries.com, MirandaJeffries.net, and so on. These sites will “rank” well in Google, helping keep any negative listings off the first page of search results. Use these domains to publish content about yourselfâ€"even if it’s something as simple as a resume. Have at least one or two social media accounts where you can publish positive contentâ€"again, an active social media account will “rank” well in the search engines. Consider joining any professional or academic directories for which you are eligible. These are good, solid Google listings that will portray you in a positive light. Ultimately, building your brand is the best way to keep others from manipulating the way you’re portrayed on the Web. By being pro-active, you can ensure that your future employers only see the side of you that you want them to see! Cliff Stein assumed the position of Chief Executive Office of Reputation Changer  in the summer of 2012. In his role as the leader of the #1 reputation management firm, he is not only the central guiding force of Reputation Changer itself, but also the de facto spokesman for the industry as a whole. Stein joined the Reputation Changer team after 17 years of management experience in multiple industries. Related: How To Protect Your Online Personal Brand and Reputation.

Getting What You Want With the California Resume

Getting What You Want With the California ResumeCalifornia resume writing is not a novel idea. In fact, this particular idea has been around for a long time and it is here to stay. But if you are about to apply for a job in California, there are a few things that you should know about the California resume.First of all, California is one of the most booming states in the United States. This means that employment opportunities will always be available for you here. If you have a degree in California, you would be able to secure a lucrative job in this state. That is why California resume writing must be done very carefully.You have to make sure that your California resume reflects your expertise. For example, if you have a master's degree, you should put this in your California resume. It is because only a master's degree is not enough to land you a lucrative job in California. Another thing that you can do is to list out all your professional achievements. This will be more likely to attract employers.Another tip when it comes to writing a California resume is to prepare the content before you begin. You have to take note of some key things so that you can make sure that you write the right content. For example, if you plan to go with the popular employer keywords, do not get distracted and include them in your California resume.California is not just a state but a whole region within the United States. So it will be wise for you to use professional resume writing services. These professionals are experienced and they know exactly what to do when writing a resume for California.The next tip when it comes to writing a California resume is to not rush. You have to make sure that you are meticulous when you are preparing the resume. The same thing applies to the content. The content should be concise so that you can easily express yourself and you can get what you want to say in a clear and concise manner.When it comes to putting together your California resume, d o not add too many fancy words. Your California resume should contain accurate information about you. If you start adding in some fancy words, employers will think that you are not qualified to be employed here.While it is true that the California resume writing is not easy, you still have to follow the basic tips listed above. By doing this, you will be able to write a wonderful California resume that will attract the attention of the employer.

Recommended Reading for a Commute to a Job Interview

Recommended Reading for a Commute to a Job Interview The commute to a job interview can be filled with anxiety. After all, you have nothing to do but sit there and wonder what will happen next. You may have job interview questions going through your head. You wonder about things like dressing properly or who you will speak with. Perhaps, you pop a mint or Tums to calm your stomach and freshen your breath.Then, you realize the job interview still doesn’t happen for another hour.Instead of going crazy over what you cannot control, take your mind off the interview with these blogs; some recommended reading for your commute to the job interview.“4Safe Stories for Your Job Interviews”This is a great article if you know you are the type of person who talks too much and offers too much information in job interviews. Instead of telling professional stories, you end up saying awkward things about your personal life. This blog helps you by offering risk-free stories for the hiring manager.“Best Questions to Ask During an Interview”If y ou dread the moment in a job interview when an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” this is a post that will give you guidance on what to ask and why.“Closing the Deal in Your Job Interviews”If you hate closing deals or requesting something of a complete stranger, you will find this post helpful in your next job interview. The blog goes into a method of closing deals that leads to either success or immediate elimination from a hiring process. The steps are bold, thoughtful, and give guidance to anyone not comfortable asking for things in a job interview.“Ways to Deal With Nervous Tics in Job Interviews”You are nervous on your way to a job interview, so there is a general fear that anxiety will spill over into the interview. This helpful post offers ways to calm yourself down before any visible nervous twitch gets the better of you.“Why Should We Hire You for This Job?”This post by Career Coach, Jennifer Hill, addresses the one question that gets so m any entry-level candidates eliminated from a hiring process: Why should we hire you for this job?The post is helpful for the many inexperienced job candidates who think, “I want to get paid. So, I will work harder than anyone.” is an acceptable answer. In addition, if you dislike feeling like you are bragging, or get nervous saying why you are better than others, this post is definitely for you.“5 Words to Avoid to Gain Confidence in Job Interviews”If you are worked up enough with anxiety and your confidence is shot, this is a great post to help you gain confidence during the job interview.Many who become nervous before and during the job interview tend to use something called “verbal pauses” while speaking. This post also explains words you can focus on not saying to come across as confident, even if you are nervous inside.“How to Explain Resume Gaps”People who either took time off from work or were never hired for a long period of time, know that the question, “W hy the resume gap?” will come up during the job interview. This is a great post that helps you answer properly. Having a gap in your resume for any reason can put a job candidate on the defensive during an interview. Being in that position, or knowing it will happen, often leads to job interview anxiety.In ClosingReading something about job interviews on the way to one is a great way to pass the time and leave you feeling prepared from the moment you walk in the door. It takes your mind off all the random negative thoughts that pop into your head for no reason. This way your mind can be completely focused on what you need to do, instead of worrying about things you cannot control.

Allyship Among Women From Sabotage to Support

Allyship Among Women From Sabotage to Support Allyship and the Path to Solidarity When we begin to define how we can show support for someone, the first word that may come to mind is allyship. Allyship focuses on the ways we use our voice, our power, and our influence to stand in solidarity with women who are marginalized or silenced in our spaces. But what’s important to know â€" and this may be a little hard to swallow â€" is that ally is a title that is given, not claimed. Someone needs to name you as an ally before you name yourself as one. We want to make sure we don’t just assert ourselves as allies. That’s not for us to determine on our own. Think about it this way: If a man says, “I’m your ally,” but his actions might prove otherwise, then do you want him to continue telling everyone he is your ally? It’s not enough to label yourself an ally. To truly be an ally involves giving evidence of your work in defense for, in support of, and for the uplifting of the group for which you are claiming allyship. Being an ally is work. At times it can be ugly and/or hurtful, and it can be exhausting. But it’s key to truly supporting women in the workplace. Here are three key steps for embodying allyship: Start with Self-Awareness. Moving to a place of support begins with our own self-awareness. Let’s look at microaggressions in the workplace, where they tend to be common. If given the opportunity to correct your behavior, how might you recast a microaggression that either happened to you or that you perpetuated? How can you be more mindful of the impact your words can have on others? Self-Correct your Behavior. Joy experienced a colleague’s behavior that speaks volumes about the need to self-correct. While they were in the elevator, the colleague remarked on how “huge” Joy used to be, placing her arms out in front of her in a “this big” gesture. Joy didn’t know the woman that well and they had never discussed weight. While it was clear to Joy that her colleague was beginning to realize she was speaking out of bounds, the woman never said anything about it to Joy again. Never did she approach Joy to say anything that acknowledged the inappropriateness of her words, such as, “I realized I might have insulted you with my comments about your weight. I’m so sorry about that.” Without that gesture, they could never be allies. Take These Self-Reflective Actions Here are a few additional tips for self-correcting behavior: Reflect on your language and behavior. If you think you may be sending a negative or biased message, pause, and take a breath. Reflect on why you think a certain thing about someone â€" what’s the history behind that thought? Internally reflect and change your words and actions. Check in with the other person to get their interpretation. Apologize and continue to check in with how you can change the thoughts and actions behind the behavior. Ask the person how you might move forward in solidarity with them. This may seem overwhelming or “too much” for you. But the truth is that these behaviors are what constructs allies. Are you willing to take these self-reflective actions to correct behaviors in your workplace? Are you willing to help others do the same? This type of support in the workplace can allow the space for women to be more authentic, and show up in their fullness without fear of judgment or retaliation. This guest post was authored by Joy Wiggins and Kami Anderson Joy L. Wiggins, PhD, is the founder and executive director of Joy Wiggins, PhD, LLC, a consulting company that focuses on equity, inclusion, and racial and gender justice. She received her doctorate from the Ohio State University in multicultural education. She teaches Culture, Equity and Advocacy in Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University. Kami J. Anderson, PhD, is the founder and executive director of Bilingual Brown Babies, a company that focuses on fostering bilingualism in black families. She received her doctorate from Howard University in intercultural communication and culture. She is the author of Language, Identity, and Choice. Their book, “From Sabotage to Support: A New Vision for Feminist Solidarity in the Workplace” published by Berrett Koehler is available now at Amazon and your local book sellers.  

Tips on Writing a Resume Without High School Diploma

Tips on Writing a Resume Without High School DiplomaWriting a resume without a high school diploma is easy if you have the skills and know how to do it. You can still impress the employer with your skills but there is no reason why you should not prove to them that you are worthy of getting the job. Here are some tips to help you with your resume:Professional Experience - It is important that you showcase your professional experience, education, and training. Write in the Resume that you have several years of work experience with major companies, corporate positions, and other executive positions. Add all your accomplishments in the Resume and list your references that can prove that you are qualified for the position you are applying for.Academic Qualifications - Presenting your academic qualifications shows employers that you have a grasp of the subjects. You can prove that you have graduated from a university or college by giving a college degree to prove it. Some people believe t hat they have to present a university degree when applying for a company because many employers do not give preference to those who have yet to graduate from high school.Current Work Situation - Ask yourself what is the current work situation. Are you working on personal projects, are you a part-time employee, or do you have full-time employment? Now ask yourself if you have a supervisor or someone who will provide you with guidance while you are at work. Show employers that you are skilled enough to handle a job.Good References - Give good references by listing names of people who have worked with you in the past. Once you have listed the names of your references, you need to show them that you have earned their trust and respect. When you have proof that you have their trust and respect, you can be assured that they will be more than willing to offer their names as references.Previous Job Experience - Be careful when putting the responsibilities of the job in the Resume because yo u want to emphasize your skills, and skills you acquired through your job. Show your references that you have more than just a week at the job, because the company will not be able to ask for their name if you are only a part-time employee. Include the responsibilities that you have acquired in the job description so that you can ensure the employers that you have more than just a job.When you are ready to start the writing process, you may have to get your high school diploma first. Your Resume is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd so you may as well prepare yourself. With a little bit of time and effort, you can impress the employer with your skills.The truth is that you do not have to have a high school diploma to get the job you are applying for. You should still put your best foot forward and prove to the employers that you have the skills necessary to be hired for the position. By using these tips you can still impress the employer and gain the job you want.

Talented Ladies Club UK - Book Review - Jane Jackson Career

Talented Ladies Club UK - Book Review - Jane Jackson Career Thank you to Talented Ladies Club for this in depth review of Navigating Career Crossroads.  Click here to read the review on www.talentedladiesclub.co.ukAt one point or another in life, many of us have found ourselves at a career crossroads. And it can be a confusing, frightening and even overwhelming time.But handled well, you will look back and see it as the launch pad of a new, exciting direction in your life â€" in a career that fits perfectly with your skills, desires, values and needs.As an experienced career management coach, speaker and trainer, Jane Jackson has guided over a thousand clients through a career change, and now she shares her experience in a new book Navigating Career Crossroads.Why are you at a career crossroads?There can be many reasons why you may find yourself at a career crossroads:You may be unhappy in your current role or career and need a change.You may have been made redundant by your current employer.Your previous role or career may no longer work for you now you’re a mum.Whatever the reason you have arrived here, you may go through similar emotions and thoughts as you cope with change (or the prospect of it) and the process of finding a new path in a career and job you love.Some of the common feelings and experiences you may recognise during a change in your career can include:Not being sure of what you want to do next.Not feeling confident in your abilities.Being overwhelmed at the job hunting options.Applying for jobs but not getting them.Unsure about how best to present yourself.Not making the best use of online job hunting tools.Being unaware of what makes you employable.It’s easy to feel stuck or lostIt’s easy to feel stuck or lost at a career crossroads. What is your perfect job? And even if you know what it may be, how can you get it?Over the past 14 years, Jane Jackson has provided career transition, interview skills, CV writing, negotiation and presentation skills coaching to more than 1,000 clients. And now sheâ €™s packed her knowledge, experience and advice into a helpful book.Navigating Career Crossroads is the definitive manual to thriving when changing career direction. It’s easy to read, packed with useful exercises and templates, and anecdotes and examples that bring Jane’s experience to life.Follow the book’s advice and you’ll be better equipped to cope with change, and successfully attain a new role that you love and matches your values, skills and needs.Follow seven steps to successNavigating Career Crossroads follows Jane’s seven essential steps for career success. CAREERS covers:Confidently manage change.Assess what makes you tick.Resumes and marketing communication.Express your professional image.Explore job search strategies.Relate your value and impress at interviews.Strategies for career success.Throughout the book, Jane explains and guides you through each of the steps, and helps you to:Learn how stress affects your confidenceConduct a life inventoryAssess your va luesAnalyse your motivatationsIdentify your skills and knowledgeDefine your dream roleUnderstand your achievementsRefine your verbal pitchCreate a new CV using templatesWrite a cover letter using a sample templateCreate and use a LinkedIn profileUse LinkedIn for job research and applicationsPerfect your visual imageSearch for a job onlineImpress in job interviewsPrepare for and respond to interview questionsKnow what to do after a job interviewNegotiate for the role you wantHow can this book help you?The intention of Navigating Career Crossroads is to help you:Feel worthy and of value, confident of your capabilities and able to handle the multiple changes in your life.Discover your passion, and feel confident about your new direction, clear on what you’re capable of.Be well prepared to launch your marketing campaign, to expand your network and interview effectively to secure the career of your dreams.And it’s certainly full of common sense advice and strategies to ensure that yo u should indeed be able to identify and secure a rewarding and fulfilling new career direction.Why we like Navigating Career CrossroadsOver the past 18 months we’ve read a lot of advice on career change, and written several articles to help mums cope with it.Jane’s book is a fantastic digest of the best advice and strategies we’ve read on dealing with career change. It’s a genuinely useful manual with advice and exercises you can put into practice straight away, and a step-by-step format that gives you a proven process to follow.Where can you buy it?You can buy Navigating Career Crossroads on navigatingcareercrossroads.com or through Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com  and Amazon.com.au.Please note that this is not a sponsored feature, but a genuine, honest review of Jane’s book. We have received no financial benefit or reward for this article.Visit Talented Ladies Club for more career inspiration for working Mums

The Overfunctioning of the American Woman - Kathy Caprino

The Overfunctioning of the American Woman Yesterday, Penelope Trunk, who writes a very thought-provoking blog â€" The Brazen Careerist on careers and life trends today, mentioned my book Breakdown, Breakthrough (click here for yesterday’s post.)   She addressed a recent comment I made about women needing to stop over-functioning domestically, as they step up to greater financial responsibility for their households and emerge more predominant on the US workforce scene.     Penelope’s thoughts were (as I understood them), that asking men to step up their role in the arena of domestic responsibility, (and clean the toilets, for instance) was just not going to happen, and we should let it go.     In fact, she indicated she thought it was bad to ask men to do more at home.   I truly appreciate Penelope’s insights always fascinating and thought-provoking. But I must add to the numerous comments that were offered on her blog that my point is women need to shift away from our deep and rigid habit of “overfunctioning” â€" doing more than is necessary, more than is appropriate, and more than is healthy (at home, in our parenting, at work, etc.).   My research shows that women do indeed overfunction in many arenas, and it’s making us angry, stressed, and sick…and it’s holding us back in life.     From my view, it’s time to reverse this detrimental pattern, as well as address gross gender inequities.     Women still do the lion share of domestic work, even when they work outside the home, and even when they are the primary breadwinners.   As a women’s advocate, a mom, wife, and small business owner, I know this no longer works.   But womens overfunctioning domestically is not irreversible.   We (both men and women, and new generations) can change.   Its certainly not impossible, and it’s not hopeless. I know…I have a marriage in which we both work our tails off as full-time business owners, yet we share the domestic responsibilities and raising our two children (not the toilets, but almost everything else!)       I find it so interesting that women tend to resist this notion even more than men â€" that there needs to be more of an equal share in domestic responsibility.   Why do women fight this?     What do you think?   Should men step it up at home, or not?