Question

How do you suggest job seekers communicate their unique value---their personal brand ---- to potential employers online?

What are the best ways to network online and offline?

What are some of the biggest pitfalls in using social media to communicate a personal brand?

ANSWER IN YOUR OWN WORDS PLEASE

Answer 1

Question 1: How do you suggest job seekers communicate their unique value---their personal brand ---- to potential employers online?

Answer: With a strong personal brand one can impress and be unforgettable to the employers. Below are a few checkpoints to help in building a strong personal brand online:

1) While uploading resumes online the introduction provided plays a crucial role in the selection criteria of the employee. The introduction should focus on one's strengths and career goals.

2) Creating one's own website or blogs will help to bring out brand online presence. Blogging and creating websites in one's domain will help in showcasing their expertise in their specific area.

3) Having a LinkedIn profile helps in showcasing one is thoughtful and prepared.

4) Do not fake what you are not and try to be unique and genuine in your online profiles and resumes.

Question 2: What are the best ways to network online and offline?

Answer:

Best ways to network online are:

1) Leverage your social media accounts to build your professional network. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc. give access to unlimited connections, thus if social media accounts are used intelligently they can be used to build professional networks which can be fruitful.

2) In order to get a response from a contact one needs to be very specific, prepared and authentic while approaching. The way you approach should be engaging enough for the contact to reply.

3) Use online tools according to the business domain. Facebook and Twitter may be used to build connections and sharing views. For building online business profile LinkedIn helps. Instagram can be used for sharing images and visual content. Blogging helps to showcase one's talents. These are some examples of online platforms available the internet is full of such online platforms which can be used to build an online network.

4) Nurturing connections is also very important. Time to time messaging and emailing would help in being relevant and maintaining a relationship with the connection.

Best ways to network offline are:

1) Personal relations and connections should not be left unleveraged. They may not be useful directly but can give you access to their connections. Personal relations can act as powerful allies.

2) Joining local communities and enrolling in local organizations helps in strengthing and building a network.

3) Be prepared and leverage any new contacts you get while attending conferences and industry events.

4) Exploring connections outside one's domain can help you build your network in ways one never anticipated.

Question 3: What are some of the biggest pitfalls in using social media to communicate a personal brand?

Answer: 1) Convincing the employee about your authenticity. There is a lot of possibility in social media of faking one's identity.

2) Being present on multiple social media platforms may sometime showcase being irrelevant and unfocused.

3) One needs to update their profile and post updates from time to time which may otherwise make you forgettable.

4) People may not perceive your personal brand in a way you want them to.