I’m fresh off the Podcast Movement conference this past weekend. Fortunately, I listened to my interview with Madalyn Sklar before I left and remembered to implement some of her great tips to help me get the most from the conference.
As I think back over the weekend one conversation stands out.
Mike, who was there to learn about podcasting having not yet launched his own yet but he was definitely in the just start mode. This was a recurring theme from the weekend too.
As you would expect at a podcasting conference the very first question Mike asked me was, “What’s your podcast about”.
During the process of explaining the podcast and its format, we had a sidebar discussion about the social resume. Have you ever heard of it? If not, you should. It will drive the opportunities you get or don;t get in the coming years.
THE SOCIAL RESUME
If you search for “social resume” on Google this explanation comes up.
“A social resume is not so much an actual thing; rather it's a variety of things. Essentially the term refers to the use of online tools to gain visibility, position yourself as a leader in your field or subject matter, and, ultimately, to get a leg up in the job market.”
– Chrissy Scivicque (originally posted on Forbes.com)
What I like about this definition is how closely it aligns to becoming the Google of your niche. The only correction I offer is this; I believe the social resume IS a real thing.
Over 90% of recruiters, today already review your social profile, i.e. your social resume before they call you. A study by LinkedIn found that 85% of employers are influenced by a positive online reputation. Whether we admit it or not social resumes are alive and well.
This should make sense to us considering the rise of social media and everyone's desire to post selfies. In addition, by positioning yourself as an authority in your field or subject matter (niche), you will, in the end, get a leg up in the job market.
This applies whether you are an intrapreneur, someone wanting to advance within a company or industry, or a freelancer choosing yourself (affiliate link) over a corporation.
SOCIAL RESUME EXAMPLE
If we were to compile all of the pieces of the puzzle that are you on the internet, we could construct a virtual social resume. This same puzzle also happens to be your online reputation. If you assemble it correctly you will become the Google of your niche.
Since this social resume is a puzzle obviously there are multiple components needing to be assembled. The good news is you control them all.
Here are a few puzzle pieces I believe are included in your social resume.
Name (website/blog)
Should be obvious but having your own domain (firstnamelastname.com) is only going to become more critical in the coming years. A blog allows you to express yourself, vet out your ideas and build your influence in your area of expertise.
Having an active blog will make your name bubble to the top of search results and prevent others who share the same name from tarnishing yours.
If you want to start a blog but don’t know how no worries I’ve got you covered. Click HERE.
Image
Pictures have always been taboo on traditional resumes. This is changing. Check out my interview with Hannah Morgan on the topic of infographic resumes.
Even if your picture never “officially” gets added to a paper resume, I bet there are enough pictures of you online to make up for the cheesy one you’re using on your LinkedIn profile. Yes. You. I'm calling you out.
Take down the selfie on your LinkedIn profile. It’s a professional network. Act professionally. Use a professional headshot.
Profile Summary
The profile summary can come from two places; your website’s About page or your LinkedIn summary.
Either way, please make sure both are NOT about what you have accomplished, rather they should be about how you can add value and solve problems.
[Tweet “Companies don’t hire people. They hire solutions to their problems.”]
Last 6 months of Google searches
Ok probably not this one but…how bad does this scare you? Are you searching for industry information or research for a blog post? Sure we all look up weird and unusual stuff from time to time but is this all you use the internet for? This information is not difficult to obtain by the way.
Go to History, Show full History and you'll have a complete list of every website you've visited. This may never be a part of your social resume but I wanted to throw it out there as a thought provoker. Would you show a potential employer this data if asked for it?
Last month of Social Media posts
This is exactly what it sounds like. If you don't think this happens already you are only fooling yourself. I do this as research for every one of my podcast guests (trade secret). I promise you recruiters, boyfriends, girlfriends, family and foe and doing the same.
Did you know your tweets are fully indexable by Google? This means they show up in a search. What do you tweet about? Cats or something related to your industry?
By the way, demonstrating proper use of a social media platform is important. It shows a willingness to learn and explore new things. Don’t just sign up for a platform and walk away. It defeats the purpose.
Interesting tidbit about social media account reviews is they serve two purposes. First, to determine if are you sharing content in your field and engaging with others. Second, companies (and individuals) can get a feel for cultural fit based on your social media interactions.
Think about that one.
Last month of LinkedIn posts
Not posting to LinkedIn? You should be. LinkedIn is a great place for you to demonstrate your subject matter expertise. Writing out your thoughts for others to read takes courage and helps you vet out your stance.
Publishing a well thought out post on LinkedIn also demonstrates courage. If you doubt this, I double-dog dare you to do it.
Last month of Blog posts
Same as LinkedIn, but expanded. Your blog is where you post your best content. Content is not found elsewhere. Publishing regularly will help position you as the thought leader in your niche. You can read about the different types of content HERE.
Experience
I put experience at the bottom because on the social resume because I think your experiences are better told via your blog than on a paper resume.
That reminds me. I had a great conversation with career coach Don Orlando recently (oops, cat’s out of the bag for an upcoming podcast show). During our chat, he told me something I’ll never forget, “Most resumes and LinkedIn profiles are like obituaries.”
You’ll need to listen to the podcast to learn more but, for now, understand that your social resume will be reviewed for your ability to help solve problems in addition to fact checking your paper resume.
SOCIAL RESUME TEMPLATE
Building your social resume, like becoming the Google of your niche, should be a conscience and purposeful activity on your part. If it’s not it could cost you opportunities. But if you work on building your online reputation, opportunities will find you.
Your social resume, your online reputation are both stories about your career and the value you add. Don’t let others tell this story for you. It’s your story, you need to tell it.
I’m sure there are more things I can add to this list but I’m curious to know what you think I’m missing. Is this a good start for a social resume template?
Leave your comments below.
