By Nelly Tonchev

Nowadays fewer people will ask for your phone or email, they will Google your name to learn information about you and connect online …. are you online?   In this day and age if you are not active on social networks you are in danger to being “out of loop”.  Social Networks are wonderful tools that can reinforce your personal brand and also your job search.  You can make new contacts, share information, promote your services and expertise and extend your brand reach. But to make the most of the social networking you need to have a good plan and make sure your privacy is protected.

Here are few simple steps:

• Spread the same professional picture (Avatar) across all networks: blogs, web sites, etc… Using clowns or cartoons are poor way to present your self and your business in professional manner
• Create complete and consistent Profile across all networks: name, summary, description, education, interests, web sites, Avatar (picture), this is your virtual resume, keep the information consistent and professional
• Join only trusted networks and relevant to your interest or situation to overcome the social media overload
• Concentrate on few social networks; Facebook, Linked In and Twitter have a lot of weight in Google: positive influence on your search results
• Sites are offering Privacy area (usually under Account Settings) from where you can control what people can see about you, think before post image or write on someone wall ….  Do you think your grandma will like it ….?  Think twice …
• Block users that can harm you
• Change your passwords often and don’t use the same password for all of your online activities
• Google your name every week and if you don’t like the results modify and change your information
• Check www.vizibility.comSet Google alerts for your name: www.google.com/alerts, every time somebody cite your name you will get an alert from Google
• Register and claim your name on all mainstream social networks, check for availability at:  usernamecheck.com

Social media is free tool to promote yourself and your services, connect and learn, there are so many opportunities, just remember to have a good plan before you dive in!!

About Nelly Tonchev

Nelly specializes in resume writing and career development.  With a solid background in Staffing, Recruiting and Human Resources Information Systems, and with the ability to write professionally and creatively, her resumes stand out and are guaranteed to catch an employer’s attention to ultimately get you that interview.  Having been a Staffing Specialist and working for major Applicant Tracking vendors such as Brassring and Kenexa, she was in contact with many hiring managers and knows exactly what types of resumes stood a cut above the rest.  Nelly’s Human Resource Management consulting practice features a blog with many useful career tips at www.eonscareer.com.  She also holds a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from Suffolk University.

• Previous Entry: Staying Motivated: The upside to downward facing dog
• Next Entry: Career Assessment: 12 Powerful Steps Towards Personal Change