Do you have a webcam? Do you think Youtube is a bent pipe and Facebook is something the hairdresser thrusts at you when you are thinking of a new style? If so, then you are jeopardising your jobseeking chances as your competitors find their feet with the new technology. What benefits are there to be had from social networking and how can you jump on the bandwagon?
Begin by having a quick look at Youtube. A search for “Video Resume” turned up 4,990 hits and that number is growing rapidly. OK, ‘Resume’ is the US version of ‘CV’ but the Brits will be hot on their heels. If you are looking for a job then you need to be up there with the movers and shakers.
There are plenty of videos showing you how to make your own CV video so just watch a few and take some notes.
If you can include a link to your own website (or LinkedIn or Facebook page) that would massively increase your chance of success because it provides a more complete picture of you than any CV ever can – even a virtual one.
But beware. If you’re carrying around bad publicity such as photos of you drunk or associating with the ‘wrong sort of people’, or there are some stories on the internet that suggest your character is flawed in some way, this could undo all the good work that your virtual CV has created. See our blog about the damage adverse Social Networking can cause to your job prospects.
While Facebook lends itself to the social side of your life, the major alternative, LinkedIn is more concerned with your career and professional contacts. This may be a better site for your virtual CV to link to.
Its founder, Reid Hoffman, has gone on file as saying:
“I think that the way you both find the right talent and opportunities is through trusted networks.”
He also says that for new entrants to the job market, getting your social networking profile in order is vital.
“When you don’t have a whole lot of experience it’s the right way that you can actually demonstrate that… someone should take a chance on you.”
If you’re new to the idea of getting known in cyberspace, then the best thing to do is to put your fears and prejudices behind you and jump in feet first. None of the social networking sites cost money to join – they generate their revenue from traffic and advertising – so there is no excuse for not registering.
Search for like-minded people and link to each other. That way you will boost your ranking and make it easier for employers to find you.
It’s important to always keep tabs on your profile and, especially, on who is mentioning your name and in what context. Use Google’s Alert service - it’s free of charge, of course.
If you don’t have one, invest in a decent quality webcam which has a built in microphone. While it is possible to buy one for under £10, spend a bit more (about £35), if you can, and get one which provides HD quality footage. Grainy pictures will only make the whole thing look amateurish. Don’t forget the backdrop needs to suggest an organised and serious person so give that some attention, too.
Some employment agencies are getting rattled by their fear of exclusion as workers market themselves direct to employers (thus saving employers their large finding fees). As a result, they are offering ‘video booths’ where you can make produce your Virtual CV under their direction. If you’re a bit nervous about buying and setting up a webcam and making a video, it’s well worth asking the major agencies in your area if they offer that service (for free, of course).
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