Wednesday, November 27, 2019

5 Social Media Faux Pas Job Seekers Should Be Wary Of

5 Social Media Faux Pas Job Seekers Should Be Wary Of5 Social Media Faux Pas Job Seekers Should Be Wary Of5 Social Media Faux Pas Job Seekers Should Be Wary OfDont live the life of a digital recluse, get out there on social media Just avoid these social media faux pas. TWEETIts 2016 and the world loves its social media. If youre notlage active on sites like Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter, you are living the life of a digital hermit. For most professionals, having a digital presence on social media is important as it shows that youre in winzigkeit with the times and staying relevant. Plus, it can help support your professional brand.According to the 2014 Social Media Recruiting Survey on Jobvite.com, 93% of employers will check out your social media presence before making a hiring decision. As much as 73% of employers admitted that theyve hired people that theyve found because of social media.Like it or not, having a web presence is a big part of todays job market and social media and the workplace, so you need to be on board. Employers want to see that you have a presence angeschlossen and they want to see if your online brand enhances, or hurts, your professional brand. If youre not on any social media, they may worry that you are computer-phobic, which does not bode well in 2016. Use social media to not only promote yourself professionally, but to show community events, charity work, and anything you do that may help an employer get a feel for who you are as a person, not just an employee. However, just as much as your activity on social media sites can help your employment chances, there are rules to the game. Here are a few of the social media faux pas that could cost you that job.1. Not being on LinkedinLinkedin is the professional boardroom of social media. Designed to be a hub for professionals to interact, Linkedin is the first stop for many employers and job seekers. Your profile is essentially your online resume plus you have the ability to post blogs and links that demonstrate your professional chops. Its a great place to search for job listings and connect with people in your field as well as recruiters.The trick here is to make sure you keep Linkedin professional. This isnt the venue for pictures of your cats birthday party or gushing about your favorite party spot. Using Linkedin improperly is worse than not using it at all. Check out this article on 9 ways to make LinkedIn work for your job search.2. Too Much Information (TMI)Its easy to get carried away on fun sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but when youre on the hunt for a new job, you need to assume that everything you post might be seen by potential employers. That means those selfies you took in that Halloween costume, a rant about your latest doctor visit, or the results of slightly inappropriate Buzzfeed quizzes shouldnt be posted anywhere.tischset your settings to private so only your friends can access most of your posts. Then, do an incognito search of your name on Google (you know the employers will) and see what you find. Eliminate anything that might raise red flags.3. Venting about work or colleaguesMaybe your last job didnt end so well. You wont gain anything by dwelling on it. Its better to move on quietly. It doesnt matter if you are right or not, posting about these things on social media makes you look like you are not a team player. When employers see this sort of thing, they will write you off as a potential troublemaker.To maintain proper etiquette concerning social media and the workplace, keep your posts positive and light in nature. You never know who might see them and judge your employability based on that one post.4. Tweeting strong opinions on touchy topicsRemember your parents telling you not to talk about politics or religion at the dinner table? Well, its kind of like that. Politics, religion, and controversial social issues are all very important topics. If you feel very strongly that you must broadcast your opinion on these things, do so as diplomatically as possible. Also, accept the fact that this social media faux pas may turn away potential employers who dont share your views.5. Not displaying your strengthsAs you look for your next job, think about your work field and your personal strengths. Then, concentrate on your social media presence. Does it display those strengths? For instance, if you are a writer, you wouldnt want your Twitter feed to be littered with typos. Do you work in sports? Make sure your Twitter and Facebook show that you are on top of the latest news and trends. Use photos on Instagram, videos on Youtube, and projects on Pinterest to display your specific arsenal of talents that your next employer needs.When it comes to social media and the workplace, it can be easy to get sloppy and hurt your image. But, with a little discipline and forethought to avoid these social media faux pas, instead of hurting your job search, you can make yourself stand out among t he crowd.Let TopResume help you write the next chapter of your career. Heres how.

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Best Advice for Women Seeking a Better Salary

The Best Advice for Women Seeking a Better SalaryThe Best Advice for Women Seeking a Better Salary Are you receiving compensation that fully reflects your skills, education, experience and ability? If your earnings and your worth arent matching up, there are avenues for addressing the situation without damaging your career. Heres how to ensure you get the raise you deserve.Although the Equal Pay Act was passed more than a half-century ago, women are still struggling to earn as much as men in the workplace. According to Glassdoor research , a U.S. woman is paid an average of 75.9 cents for every dollar a man receives. On top of potentially starting at a lower pay rate, taking time off to start a family, for a career sabbatical, to tend to an aging loved one or for other concerns is a more substantial setback to women than men, with the hiccup resulting in reduced wages for women and a lengthier career gap.Sometimes, improving your situation hinges on changing e mployers . Whether you maxed out your growth in the current company, stumble onto a better opportunity or are simply ready for a change of scenery, moving on is sometimes the best course of action. In that case, you should review your career-oriented paperwork, especially your cover letter. Give it a refresher, bearing in mind its the ideal avenue for drawing attention to your accomplishments and abilities. You can use a cover letter template to create a stellar document . Think of it as a chance to tell potential employers all the things you wish they knew so you can land your dream job.If your intention is to remain with your current employer, seek opportunities to impress people of influence. For instance, you can go out of your way to master more bells and whistles of the software your company uses. Abedrngnisher idea is to learn to use a free, online logo-making tool and use it to design a top-notch logo. As Entrepreneur explains , oftentimes companies spend big bucks on a well-designed logo , but by designing it yourself, you can help your company be a standout and boost your career at the same time. Along those same lines, look for ways to up the companys social media engagement . Raising company image is key to staying strong, and your superiors are sure to be impressed. Its a great way to put yourself and your employer in the limelight.When it comes to catching the eye of the powers that be, going above and beyond your employers expectations can make a big impact. With that in mind, adding to your education is sometimes just the shot in the arm your career needs. You might elect to take distance learning classes if you never completed your degree, or are ready to add a new level to your education. Another idea is to add a fresh certification to show youre serious about climbing the ladder, or learn a more advanced skill that benefits your company directly.Perhaps you reached the conclusion that youre underpaid in your work and are conside ring discussing the situation with the appropriate party. Whether youre in the interview process or revisiting terms with your current employer, Forbes points out that negotiating can be a challenge for women. Preparing can bolster your confidence as well as provide you with more bargaining power. Review your skillset, education and abilities, and be ready to talk not only about what youre doing and your current pay rate, but also other responsibilities you are ready to embrace. Maybe there are duties someone less qualified could take over so you can reach your full potential to do more advanced work. Think outside the box, and be ready to point out where you are underutilized as well as underpaid or underrated.Knowing your income doesnt reflect your value is a tough challenge, but with a handful of smart strategies, you can get the raise you deserve. Evaluate whether its time for a change, and if so, make it happen. Draw attention to your assets in a sharp manner and the right doors will open.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Sending an Email to Confirm an Interview

Sending an Email to Confirm an vorstellungsgesprchSending an Email to Confirm an InterviewCongratulations You scored that bewerbungseinstellungsgesprch. What should you do next? Its a good idea to accept and confirm the interview with an schmelzglas, even if you have spoken to the hiring manager or human resources representative on the phone. That way, you can be certain that you have all the details correct, you know where youre going, when you should be there, and who you will be meeting with (and you will have a record of your appointment). Aconfirmingemail is also a good opportunity to ask logistical questions(e.g. where is the office located, who exactly will you be speaking with during the interview, do you need to bring anything specific) or to ask any other questions you may have. A confirmation email also serves as a reminder to you and the hiring manager and is an excellent opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position. Read below for more information on sending an interview acceptance email, and review examples of emails in which the writersaccept andconfirm a job interview. The first letter is a simple confirmation, and the second example letter asks for clarification on some interview details. The second example also reiterates the job candidates interest in the job. When to Send the Email Ideally, youll send this email soon after the notice (often a phone call, or perhaps an email) of the interview. Heres one exception to sending an interview acceptance email When you receive notice of an interview,hiring managers may mention that they plan to send a confirmation email to you. There is no need for you to send an email if the hiring manager plans to do so. Interview Acceptance EmailTemplate Here are some guidelinestokeepinmind for what to include as you are writing your interview confirmation email Subject LineInclude the job title and your name in the email subject line Interview Confirmation Job Title - Your Name ExpandRemember, the hiring manager may be setting up several interviews including your name makes it easier for him or her to keep emails sorted. Its also helpful incase your email is forwarded to other interviewers. Why Youre WritingLead off the email with the reason youre writing. You can start by saying Thank you for the opportunity... or Im writing to confirm the interview details... Thank YouBe sure to thank the emails recipient for the opportunity to interview. Ask What You Should BringYou should always bring several copies of your resume to your interview. However, some companies may want other documents - social security card, portfolio of work, etc. - on hand during the interview. Others may want you to send a sample of work prior to the meeting. In your email, you can ask if there is anything that you should bring on the interview or if there is any information you can share prior to the interview. Include Your Contact InformationEven though the hiring manager has your contact informati on, make it easy for them to follow-up, if they need to, by including the details in your email signature. Proofread the Message.Even though this is a simple confirmation of an interview, carefully proofread the message before you click send. All your job search correspondence reflects your professional communication skills, and typos or grammatical errors will be noticed. Send a Copy to YourselfIts always a good idea to copy yourself on the message. That way, youll have a copy in your inbox, and you wont have to search for the message to review the details prior to the interview. Tips for Formatting Your Message Read theseguidelines for sending professional email messagesif you need help formatting your message before you send it. Sample Interview Confirmation Letters Below,review a sample email message accepting an interview and confirming the time of the appointment, as well as an example that asks for confirmation of the interview location. Both letters offer to provide any additional information the employer may need. Letter Accepting an Interview Invitation Example SubjectInterview Confirmation Account Analyst Position- Sara PottsDear Mr. Gunn,Thank you very much for the invitation to interview for the Account Analyst position. I appreciate the opportunity, and I look forward to meeting with Edie Wilson on June 30th at 9 AM in your Quincy office.If I can provide you with any further information prior to the interview, please let me know.Best Regards,Sara Pottssara.b.pottsgmail.com555-123-1234 ExpandLetter Accepting an Interview Invitation and Asking Questions Example SubjectInterview Confirmation - Bob SteenbergDear Ms. Morrison,It was great speaking with you on the phone earlier today. Thank you very much for the invitation to interview for the Editorial Coordinator position at ABC Company. Im very much looking forward to our conversation, scheduled forMay 6, at 3 PM.When you have a moment, can you confirm that this interview will take place at the downtown location of ABC Company?I believe that my editorial experience in the technical publishing field makes me an ideal candidate for the position. I look forward to sharing my passion for and skills in editorial work with you.If I can provide you with any further information prior to the interview, please let me know.Sincerely,Bob Steenbergbobsgmail.com555-123-1234 ExpandThe Bottom Line When to Confirm the Details Sending an email to confirm the interview will ensure you have the correct date, time, and location.When Not to Send a Confirmation If you get a confirmation email or call from the hiring manager, youre set.If You Have Questions Its appropriate to use your email to ask questions you may have about the interview process.