{"id":1760,"date":"2014-03-09T22:07:38","date_gmt":"2014-03-09T22:07:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/eviebool.wordpress.com\/?p=57"},"modified":"2014-03-09T22:07:38","modified_gmt":"2014-03-09T22:07:38","slug":"how-to-develop-an-authentic-online-professional-profile-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2008\/2014\/topic-3-2014\/2014\/03\/how-to-develop-an-authentic-online-professional-profile-5\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO DEVELOP AN AUTHENTIC ONLINE PROFESSIONAL PROFILE"},"content":{"rendered":"
As you may know, landing your dream job in this saturated job market, whilst negotiating frantic online traffic, can be difficult. The \u2018Fourth Economy\u2019, which allows us to exploit the internet to attract attention, means authentic online professional profiles can be a lucrative way to gain a necessary edge over countless competitors. Social networking pro\ufb01les offer an opportunity to market your personal brand, \u00a0with managers claiming that \u2018showing a professional image and solid references can boost a candidate\u2019s chances for a job, because it gives a more rounded view of the individual and hence a better assessment.\u2019 (Harris & Rae 2012).<\/h6>\n
Having a suitable and active online profile has never been more important to job seekers and recruiters alike. \u00a0A study conducted by The CareerBuilder revealed that 22% of recruiters screen candidates\u2019 online behaviour on social networks, an 11% increase since 2006. Of these recruiters, 33% claimed they found information on these sites that terminates a candidate\u2019s application, whilst 24% said an online profile has convinced them to hire.<\/h6>\n
When creating an authentic online professional profile it\u2019s imperative to guarantee it\u2019s just that \u2013 authentic. Employers will quickly discover if you don\u2019t live up to your hype. McNamara (2012) tells the story of the now former Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson, who was caught wrongfully embellishing his CV with a computer science degree. Thompson\u2019s case is obviously a high profile one, but it should resonate. There\u2019s a fine line between maximising your impact and misrepresenting yourself. Tow the line!<\/h6>\n
Harris & Rae (2012) believe that personal branding through social networks is increasingly involved in new job searches. \u00a0The image below from their paper shows the tools available to enhance your online professional profile:<\/h6>\n

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Digital CVs such as these are fantastic to develop authentic online professional profiles and make yourself more \u2018googleable\u2019:
\n\u25cf A LinkedIn profile offers a dynamic alternative to the traditional CV and the opportunity to expand on your strengths, interests and professional activity whilst establishing real-life connections.
\n\u25cf Google accounts can be renovated into online profiles by including a page summarising your CV and showcasing links to your other profiles.
\n\u25cf The new Facebook home page layout includes a cover photo. Why not use this banner as a CV and an opportunity to market yourself?
\n\u25cf Video CVs can be sent out and seen by managers who you wouldn\u2019t usually have the opportunity of interacting with. But approach these with caution; they could have the opposite effect if not presented appropriately.<\/h6>\n
I\u2019m going to leave you with Adam Pacitti\u2019s video CV, who turned to his online profile and created the buzz phrase \u2018Employ Adam\u2019 when he struggled to get a job. I think it\u2019s a great example of the professional power of the internet.<\/h6>\n