BRANDING AND NETWORKING Student Job Centre 2012 How do you look to Potential Employers?

Something to Think About... What details of your life do you share on Twitter and Facebook? Have you ever Googled yourself? Is your Facebook profile picture classy or trashy? Do you blog? Student Job Centre 2012

Something to Think About... If you haven’t considered these, now is the time! Like it or not, your brand is out there-it is up to you to shape it. Remember, every time your name is mentioned or a photo of you is posted, it can easily be found by potential employers. Student Job Centre 2012

Google To assess your online-brand, search for yourself on Google Pay attention to: the kind of sites your name is attached to how you’re quoted or characterized Now click on “Images” and see what pictures of you come up-how will you look to someone that has never met you? Student Job Centre 2012

Social Networking Social networking can be your best friend or your worst enemy in constructing an online presence. It is important to be yourself, but when looking for a job remember that others may be able to see anything you post. Avoid posting about illegal, unethical, or social behaviours which could undermine your credibility in your chosen field. The privacy settings on your profile are important to look into. Student Job Centre 2012

Social Networking-Pictures of You Those pictures of the drunken debauchery at your 19th birthday party should probably be privacy-protected. You may also want to consider un-tagging yourself from photos like that. Your Profile Picture... Consider the following six questions regarding your profile picture: With whom are you pictured (or not pictured)? What is your relationship to any other people who are pictured with you? What might be significant about the spatial relationships within the picture? Where was the picture taken (i.e. what geographic location)? What else can be seen in the background of the photograph? How often is the profile picture changed? (Source: http://www.ericasp.com/blog.php/2010/03/25/what-does-your-facebook-profile-picture-say-about-you) Student Job Centre 2012

Social Networking-Profile Picture Your profile picture doesn’t have to be a professional headshot, but it’s important that it convey what you want it to convey. You should be clearly identifiable in your picture, and maintain consistency across networking sites. Student Job Centre 2012

Social Networking When a potential employer checks out your profile everything you post says something about you, so why not say something pertinent and passionate? If you have a passion related to your field, social networking can be a great way to make yourself stand out. For instance, those interested in Outdoor Studies could share articles about environmental activism. This highlights your commitment to your field beyond the classroom. Student Job Centre 2012

Blogging Blogging is a great way to make your mark if you’re a person with lots to say about a topic that’s relevant to your field. There are plenty of free blog sites, where all you have to do is fill in some information, choose a user name, and start writing! When you’ve found a subject that’s relevant to your interest, set a schedule you can live with whether it’s blogging daily or weekly. Be consistent: when people start reading your blog, they’ll want to know when to check for new posts. Student Job Centre 2012