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by Mark Anthony Dyson Leave a Comment

For Getting Hired Sake, Correct These 9 Social Media Disasters

For Getting Hired Sake, Correct These 9 Social Media Disasters

Assuming you care about your personal branding efforts and getting hired, you should know that everything you do online is subject to scrutiny.

Today, recruiters look at every candidate’s social media presence when making decisions about who should advance and who should not. In part, they’re looking to see how creative and impressive candidates are on social media — but they’re also looking for bad behaviors that disqualify job seekers from the running.

Getting hired is the number one priority – so everything digital has to be attracting, alluring, and convincing.

Take time now to see if any of the following major gaffes appear on your social profiles — and correct any that you find:

1. Broken Links

I’ve connected with a lot of people on Twitter whose website links in their bios don’t work. Also included in this category are links that have nothing to do with you and your professional work. Check the links on your social profiles a few times a year to ensure you’re sending people where you want them to go.

2. Using Trending Terms You Don’t Understand

Nothing like using slang when you haven’t an idea what it means. Throwing “shade” doesn’t mean throwing a lamp, nor does “Black Lives Matter” mean all other lives don’t matter.

You might think under the guise of getting hired this is trivial, but if your resume advertises anything close to “detail-oriented,” then an employer will take exception to your misuse of language. And if an employer doesn’t catch it, people in your network might. You would like their job referrals, wouldn’t you?

3. Liking and Sharing Outdated or Erroneous Information

You probably know the type: The person who doesn’t seem to think at all before sharing content. You look much more credible to employers when your timeline only includes accurate, interesting, and up-to-date content.

4. No Original Thoughts of Your Own

God bless those of you who constantly share inspirational quotes, beautiful pictures, and “Caturday” memes from others. The problem, however, is none of this content demonstrates your value as a professional. People in your network want to know you and what you do — not what you share.

5. Political, Religious, and Sexual Content

The safest possible course is just to avoid it all. Even your most positively intended posts can be offensive to others who don’t share your values.

6. Poor Quality Photos

Most smartphone cameras these days can take quality pictures to post on social media. Low-quality images make you look outdated, out of touch, and unaware of how new technology works. When you in the process of getting hired, your work is the reason you want to go the extra mile.

7. Clichés

Oh, you’re a proven leader with 20+ years of experience? How does that stand out from anyone else? People should know your unique value by glancing at just the first 120 characters of your bio.

8. Bad Grammar and Old Text Abbreviations

I recently saw someone post on a Facebook thread, “We R W U!” Meaning, “We are with you!” Employers don’t look kindly on this. It makes you seem like a bad, sloppy communicator.

9. Bragging

Context is everything, but social media makes it very easy to take things out of context. It is essential to promote yourself online, but you need to be careful not to come across as if you are boastful. There are ways to promote yourself without annoying others. If you’re unsure, ask trusted friends and colleagues for feedback on your messaging and make adjustments as needed.

—

Remember, simply scrubbing your profile of gaffes is not enough. Presenting your best self online means showcasing the creative, value-driving side of yourself. That is what impresses employers and increases your chances of getting hired. Invest time and effort in making sure this is the aspect of you that shines most brightly on social media — and avoid the reputation-marring mistakes outlined above.

Originally published here

About Mark Anthony Dyson

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.

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Filed Under: Job Search Tagged With: Job Hunt, Job Search, Social Media

by Mark Anthony Dyson Leave a Comment

14 Job Search Tips to Master in 2018

14 Job Search Tips to Master in 2018

If it has been a few years since the last time you went on a job search, you need to know that things have changed. Sure, there’s advice from 2011 that still applies today – for example, networking is still a great idea. That being said, you’ll need to brush up on the latest job search strategies if you want to land a role.

One particularly important new development you should know about: Using social media to stay connected, visible, and engaged in your network is critical to job search success today.

Of course, that’s not where it ends. Here are 14 tips to help you find a new job like a modern job seeker:

1. Don’t Overestimate Tech

Artificial intelligence is a big deal in recruitment circles today, with many people claiming that chatbots like Mya will help you get your next interview.

The way I see it, unless Mya is advanced enough to laugh and cry, it isn’t likely to increase your chances of landing the job. It is still true today that nothing beats getting a referral from someone you know.

via GIPHY

2. Think Outside the Box to Gain New Skills

Volunteering, entrepreneurial ventures, and side gigs are great ways to gain new job experiences and skills.

Don’t accept “You don’t have the experience” as the final word. Go get that experience.

Click To Tweet

3. Stay Engaged

The modern job seeker remains perpetually engaged in the job search in a number ways: networking, consulting, training (as both trainee and facilitator), professional development, and social media promotion. Take every opportunity you can to build your personal brand.

4. Breathe Life Into Your Resume

According to Jessica Dillard of Dillard & Associates, it’s time to stop treating your resume like a transactional document. Instead, use your various experiences to craft stories that demonstrate your results.

Furthermore, stop treating the job search as a transactional process. At every step, try to approach your job search as a “collaborative, engaging partnership,” Dillard says.

Listen to How Will You Stand Out at Your Next Job Fair? Use a Handbill

5. Whip Out Your Phone

Your smartphone is an invaluable aid in your job search. Scanning documents, sending emails, submitting applications, completing assessments – you can do it all through your phone. You can also use your smartphone for career development purposes by accessing online courses and programs.

6. Higher Ed. Degrees: Not Totally Necessary

A higher education degree is no longer the sure bet to advance your career.

Before investing in another degree, take a look at successful people in your industry or career track. Do they have degrees?

Click To Tweet

7. Build a Team

Some career coaches are open to working with groups rather than single clients. See if you can find some like-minded professionals to start a “career partnership” group and split the cost of a career coach. You and your group members can also add value to one another’s job searches.

8. Get Past the ATS

Some reports suggest that more than 70 percent of resumes are rejected by applicant tracking systems (ATSs) before they’re ever seen by a human being. To ensure your resume gets through the gate, check out tools like Jobscan, which compares your resume against the job ad and suggests ways to improve your resume accordingly.

9. Offer Social Proof

Social media profiles alone are not enough. You’ll need social proof, too – that is, proof of the value you create as an employee shared by others on social media.

Are you engaged in the conversation at large in your industry? Have you published articles or peer-reviewed research? Does the industry recognize your contributions? More than 90 percent of recruiters check out potential candidates on social media. They’ll pay attention if they see you actively engaged in your industry – e.g., sharing industry news, interacting with thought leaders, and being praised by clients and coworkers.

10. Ready Your References

Many employers will require at least three people to vouch for you. I recommend having up to seven people who are ready to speak up on your behalf. You should know what these references will say if contacted and to which of your strengths they can speak most effectively.

11. Small Is Beautiful

via GIPHY

Big companies are not the only option. Small businesses and startups are increasingly viable options.

Click To Tweet

If you’ve never worked for a smaller operation before, you might also consider freelancing with a potential employer to test drive their culture before committing.

12. Stay on Your Toes

In-demand skills change constantly today, so you’ll have to be flexible. By 2021, more than a third of the skills considered “important” for today’s workers will have changed, according to the World Economic Forum.

13. Defensive Googling Is Essential

Recruiters will be looking you up on Google – you should do the same. Google yourself once a week. Take note of any results that tarnish your image – including those that may be about other people who happen to share your name.

For some help on managing your Google results, read this article.

Listen to LinkedIn SEO with Susan P Joyce

14. Archive Your Performance

Keep an exhaustive list of your professional accomplishments, the career development programs you’ve completed, the results you’ve achieved, and the positive impacts of your actions at work. Keep your old performance reviews and kudos emails. These things will help shape your outlook on the future, restore confidence during trying times, and build your resume.

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If you ever say, “I’ve tried everything, but nothing has worked,” then you have given up too early. No job search strategy on this list – or any other list – is one and done. You may have to try targeting different people, companies, and locations until you yield results.

There are hundreds of job search tips available on the internet. Don’t attempt them all at once. Instead, try three or four at a time to see how well each works for you.

Thanks to venngage.com for the infographic and partnership. This article was originally published at recruiter.com!

About Mark Anthony Dyson

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.

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Filed Under: careers, Job Search Tagged With: Job Search, Resume, Social Media

by Mark Anthony Dyson Leave a Comment

How Good Writing Skills Can Build Your Brand with the Grammar Goddess

How Good Writing Skills Can Build Your Brand with the Grammar Goddess
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Employers want employees and new hires to good writing skills. If you find writing a challenge, this is a good show for you. Susan Rooks, the Grammar Goddess is back to revisit the value of good business writing.

I also mention it’s National Punctuation Day and what better way and reason to celebrate it.

How important is good writing to you?Let’s discuss! You can do this in three ways:

  • Call and leave a voicemail at 708-365-9822, or text your comments to the same number
  • Go to TheVoiceofJobSeekers.com, press the “Send Voicemail” button on the right side of your screen and leave a message
  • Send email feedback to mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com

NEED A HOLIDAY JOB?

In the first segment of the show, Victoria Crispo offers some holiday job search advice. She is a Career Development Expert, Manager of College and Professional Outreach at Idealist.org. I first met her as she was the Content Manager at IdealistCareers.org. IdealistCareers.org is a not only a nonprofit job board but also has good content for your job search.

More about the Grammar Goddess


Susan Rooks is the Grammar Goddess and can be found at the GrammarGoddess.com. She is a copy editor and a corporate educator. Susan traveled the world training audiences on various subjects including business writing.

Here are some highlights from our discussion:

  • Susan talks about manners in writing in using “please” and “thank you”–not used enough
  • The misuse of commas–the Oxford comma she says is still essential–Helps guard against misinterpretation
  • E.g., My heroes are my parents, Superman, and Wonder Woman vs. My heroes are my parents Superman and Wonder Woman
  • Susan advocates a refresher on grammar usage. It has been since high school most people have taken a class
  • Most people should stop using colons and semicolons because they are often misused
  • I reference using Grammar Girl and Strunk and White, “The Elements of Style”
  • Although Word grammar check helps, it covers only a fraction of grammar usage

Do you need coaching or instruction?

I am here for it! Use my contact information above to inquire about individual or group coaching. You can also sign up for my weekly newsletter at the top of my page.

 

About Mark Anthony Dyson

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.

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Filed Under: Personal Branding, Skills Tagged With: Business, Personal branding, Social Media, writing

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Listen to my NPR podcast interview on “Jazzed About Work” with Beverly Jones from 8/13/2020!

WOUB Digital · Episode 087 : Black job searchers face special challenges, says Mark Anthony Dyson

See my #GetHired LinkedIn Live with News Editor Andrew Seaman

Watch this interview about today’s job search!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNTym48NVo&t=68s
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