The Importance of Using Google as Your New and Improved Resume

Google is the New and Improved Resume

Today, while employers are still using the paper resume to sort out potential job candidates, they are beginning to rely on a simple Google search of the selected applicant.

The search results can give employers a lot more access to information about you. Anything you have ever posted on the internet may be there for companies to see. Things like your Facebook page, Twitter account, LinkedIn, YouTube channel, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog, and Website can all be listed in the search results.

It's important to make sure that all information you post about yourself is information you would want a prospective boss to see. If your posts and accounts are not professional, there's still time to edit what's available for people to see.

Let's focus on LinkedIn because it is an important tool that companies use when they are looking to hire you.

Image Source: Google Images

To make your LinkedIn profile really stand out among other people with similar experiences and careers, here are a few tips: 

1. Have a photo of yourself on your profile. It's a turnoff to employers if you don't have a photo present. Plus you will get more profile views if you have a photo. Make sure it looks professional.

2. The Job Title is important. Put your current job title in this spot and if your position has other names then put a slash and the other names after the slash. If you are looking for a change in your current job use a slash after your position and indicate what new position you are looking for. This will help provide keywords when employers are looking for someone who fits their position they are looking to fill.

3. Past Jobs or Experience need to be more than a list of jobs or achievements. Tell a story, and talk about your experience. Summarize major achievements in this section. When listing your skills, be sure to list as many as you have because this increases the likelihood your profile will be looked at.

4. In the Summary section, list whatever sets you apart from the other people in your field.

5. In the spot for Specialties, this is where you can list keywords that will lead a search engine to find the jobs you want.

6. List the hobbies, interests, education, training, community service, and associations you belong to. 

7. Share links to your website, blog or anything relevant to your field.

8. Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your field, and post regularly, but not too often. You want to appear as an expert on your career.

9. Describe projects that you were a part of. There are even places to share a portfolio of your work.