Showing posts tagged with: career change
If you are working in digital marketing, it is highly unlikely you will not have an online presence. We have talked about the importance of carrying out a social media audit to make sure your social media and online presence is professional and consistent. this article will look at taking this one step further to actively use social media to your advantage. Social media can be a powerful tool to help boost your career. Whether you use it to network, stay up-to-date on industry news, or showcase your work, here are 3 ways to boost your online profile.
#1 Use Social Media to Connect With Professionals
One of the best ways you can use social media to further your career is to connect with professionals in your field. Whether you join a Facebook group or use Twitter to follow influential people in your industry, these connections help you stay informed about the latest industry trends and news and help you build a strong network of contacts that could be useful in your career. Additionally, engaging with these professionals can help you gain knowledge and valuable insights into the field, and even create opportunities for you to make more meaningful connections. Ultimately, building relationships with professionals in your field can be an important way to support your career growth. When engaging online, be helpful. You can foster long-term relationships by offering advice with no expectation of anything in return. Connect with people at all levels, just remember to keep your connections related to your industry and interests and introduce yourself with a reason for your connection!
#2 Showcase Your Work on Social Media
Social media can be used as a powerful tool to showcase your work. By using it to promote your portfolio, share your latest projects and engage with potential employers and collaborators you can easily boost your online profile. Using platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and other popular networks you can reach a wider audience and create a more visible presence. Additionally, social media can be used to efficiently promote your work and gain recognition by showcasing your skills, experience and accomplishments. Furthermore, engaging with potential employers and collaborators can be a great way to build relationships and gain insight into the industry, while also reinforcing your commitment to the field. Ultimately, using social media to promote your work is a valuable asset to your professional career.
#3 Stay Up-To-Date With Industry News
Social media is invaluable for staying up-to-date on industry news. Following relevant hashtags or joining industry-specific groups can be an incredibly useful way to stay connected with the latest trends and developments, as well as helping you build connections with other professionals in the same field. Through such platforms, you can stay informed about the latest industry news, developments, and strategies, and be better equipped to make informed decisions. Using your new found knowledge you can share interesting articles and content to boost your online profile. Additionally, you can engage with confidence in discussions, share ideas and resources potentially leading to collaborations and other opportunities that can help further your career.Make Social Media Work For You
As you can see, social media can be an effective tool for boosting your career. Whether you use it to connect with professionals, showcase your work, or stay up-to-date on industry news, there are many ways to use it and many platforms to choose from, with these 3 tips, you’ll be well on your way to maximising your social media presence. Remember: consistency and professionalism are key. For more job search tips, advice on interviews or digital marketing career paths head to our blog here.
Writing a successful CV in 2023 might sound like a daunting task. There are a lot of job vacancies but competition is fierce. A lot has changed and continues to change in the world of recruitment too. New hiring techniques and different candidate requirements post-pandemic have caused a seismic shift towards flexible and remote working. With the ever-evolving job market, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the most effective CV writing techniques. In this blog post, we will explore five important things to consider when crafting your CV in 2023: using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments.
#1 Using Keywords
Keywords are words or phrases associated with a job description or industry and they help recruiters match you to a job. They help hiring managers quickly identify whether or not you are a match. The average hiring professional with spend just six to eight seconds scanning through to determine whether or not the candidate is right for the role. It is, therefore, important to focus on using keywords when writing your CV in 2023. When crafting your CV, be sure to review the job description, research the industry and include all relevant keywords that highlight your skills and experiences.
#2 Formatting
This isn't a new one but it is worth revisiting. Formatting is a really important element of your CV. Your CV should be easy to read and well organized. Be sure to use headings and subheadings to break up the text and highlight important information.
Moreover, make sure that your contact information is clearly visible at the top of the page. This will make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to contact you.
Using bullet points to summarise key experience is a good way to pack information in an easy -to -read format. Keep to simple fonts and layouts. Let your experience and skills do the talking.
#3 Showcasing Your Accomplishments 
It is important to showcase accomplishments in your CV. Rather than simply listing your experiences and skills, be sure to include any successes you have had in your past positions. This can help you stand out from other applicants and provide a more comprehensive view of your abilities. This means highlighting the output of your duties, rather than the duties themselves in your work history.
- Focus on offering proof of your qualifications by including specific examples, figures or case studies that illustrate your abilities.
- Wherever possible, quantify your contributions and achievements to show the value you’ve created for your past employers. For example, have you helped to reduce costs, eliminate bottlenecks, increase productivity, drive more revenue, or improve operations?
- Did you meet or exceed your project goals or complete a project on time, ahead of schedule or under budget? Have you received any awards or special recognition for your performance?
#4 Most Requested Skills
These are the top five requested skills (in descending order):- Adaptability and flexibility
- Communication
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Time management
#5 Use Social Media To Your Advantage
More than ever, recruiters and hiring managers are using social media to help in their selection of candidates to invite to interview. So, you should include links to relevant social media accounts. For example, you might wish to include the details of your LinkedIn profile and Instagram accounts alongside your contact information. Just make sure that whichever profiles you link to. Just make sure you ensure these are up to date and that they don’t contain any inappropriate or unprofessional content. A social media audit is a must! If you have a side hustle or profile related to your passions and hobbies, it might be better to link to those accounts rather than simply give your personal accounts.
Now, Put It Into Action!
Crafting a successful CV in 2023 requires a combination of up-to-date techniques and strategies. By focusing on using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments, you can ensure that your CV stands out from the rest. You will need to tailor your CV for each job you apply for, but if you get a good template set up using the tips above this shouldn't take you too long. Good luck out there! For the latest in digital marketing and ad agency jobs, head to Dotgap now to browse or get in touch. We are ex-agency ourselves and so we understand the industry better than anyone and are committed to helping you find your dream job.
Digital marketing is an ever-growing field with plenty of job prospects and career opportunities. Whether you're just starting out, or want to switch to this field, it's important to understand the basics of getting into digital marketing. In this blog post, we'll discuss the necessary steps you need to take to become a digital marketer.
5 Top Tips To Become A Digital Marketer
To become a successful digital marketer, you need to have a good understanding of the latest marketing techniques, as well as the ability to apply them to the unique challenges of the digital space. Here are some tips to help you get started.
What Education Do You Need?
While it isn't a requirement to have a university degree, having an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of digital marketing is essential to your success. This includes search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and more. You should also make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies in the industry. If you want to do a degree, or are considering your university options then marketing or a related field would certainly be useful. A degree is not as useful as having demonstrable knowledge of digital marketing tools and techniques and relatable experience is key.
Experience Is Key
Experience is another key component to becoming a successful digital marketer. Most employers will require some level of experience before hiring. Taking related jobs, doing freelance work or internships can provide great learning experiences. Having a good understanding of the industry and its various tools will give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Of course, this raises a challenge for new graduates who may have more qualifications than experience. Check out our previous post on how to demonstrate you've got the goods for our tips!
Upskilling Is Vital For Digital Marketers...
Digital marketing is a fast-evolving industry. As such, it requires a strong understanding of technology. You should become familiar with the latest tools and platforms in the digital marketing world, including analytics software, web design tools, and content management systems. You will work with many other people to provide clients with the best service and so it is really good to demonstrate your knowledge outside your specific job role. You can enhance your technical skills by reading about analytics or brushing up your writing or design skills. You could consider learning how to code HTML and CSS to help you understand search engine optimization for websites. Read more out more about upskilling here.
... And Get Certified To Prove It!
To demonstrate your knowledge and skills, you could consider getting certified in digital marketing. There are plenty of online courses and certifications available, such as Google Analytics, Social Media Marketing, and Digital Marketing Strategy. With a certification, you can show potential employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the digital marketing industry. It's also important to have a good grasp of the latest trends, tools, and strategies in digital marketing. Keeping up with the latest information is key to staying ahead of the competition.
Network With Digital Marketers
Seeking out and networking with other digital marketers is a great way to learn more about the industry and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. You can join online communities, attend conferences, and join local meetups to connect with other professionals. Co-working spaces can be great too.Take Your First Steps Today!
Taking the right steps to prepare can help you land the job you want more easily. With the right knowledge and tools, you can be on your way to becoming a successful digital marketer. For more job seeking tips and tricks, visit the Dotgap blog page today and get ready for your new role.
As we edge closer to a recession, many Britons' feelings are echoing those of 12 years ago. In 2010, 9 out of 10 Britons said they would consider leaving the UK for a life abroad. More recently, the coronavirus sent a lot of ex-pats home, and when the borders began opening up, many people were keen to restart their dreams of relocating to other countries.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a similar situation yet again. While other countries may seem attractive, the current impending recession is set to be a global one so there are many things to consider if you have your heart set on moving away. Changing jobs can still be a great way to find new opportunities for job growth and career development. But while we have talked about the benefits of moving jobs before, changing jobs in a recession presents a different set of challenges.
A recession occurs when economic productivity is rapidly declining. Recessions increase your chances of losing your current job and do make it more challenging to secure a new one. Many young people will try and find a better-paying job in times of economic instability. If you are employed, think carefully before you leave, and read this article for advice on relocating for work in a recession.
Financial Considerations Are Even More Important When Changing Jobs In A Recession
First things first, you need to make sure that you are fully aware of all the local regulations. Look into your sector to make sure there are enough opportunities. This is especially important if you are planning to become self-employed in a new country. If you are investing or retiring abroad, you will have to make sure your income or savings will really be enough to cover your expenses. Currency fluctuations can really impact your move abroad and affect your ability to live comfortably in your new country. If you do decide to move abroad during a recession, you really have to ensure your financial situation is strong enough to cover the costs. Do your research into all the potential costs and how to keep them low! We would recommend you secure a job before moving. Many companies will offer assistance with visas and even offer a relocation bonus. If you haven't found your job yet, start looking for a job asap and make sure it will pay you enough to cover your daily expenses.
Choose Your Location Carefully
Choosing the right location for you will depend on the kind of work you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a job in digital marketing, starting your own business or investing will all influence your options. You also need to consider your age and whether you have children or not. Many countries have complex and expensive visa requirements. Australia and New Zealand are still among the most popular countries to move to. There is a booming digital marketing and ad agency economy over there and no language barrier. However, we are facing a global recession. That means Australia and New Zealand are likely to be facing similar strains in recruitment. Some less traditional locations you could consider are Poland or the Czech Republic. While they do suffer economic problems the living costs are relatively low and there are digital marketing opportunities available for English speakers. Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research and don't rush into anything.
Changing Jobs In A Recession Requires Consideration of Lifestyle And Living Costs
If you do your research and have realistic expectations about the country you are moving to, you should be able to change jobs and relocate during a recession. The most important thing to remember is to be realistic about what you can afford and be prepared to have a different quality of life from the one you're used to in the UK while you settle in and find a job. Dotgap works with companies in the UK and Australia and we have been committed to keeping media professionals doing what they love throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so through the recession. If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy these articles on our blog: How To Find A Job When Jobs Are Scarce: Navigating A Recession As A Job Seeker 3 Ways To Optimise Your CV For International Job Search
Recently, we've been talking a lot about how to get jobs, perform well in interviews and utilise moving companies to your advantage. However, given the current economic climate and cost of living crisis, many people are looking for stability and assurance they will be in work and able to pay their bills. Upskilling enables you to strengthen your position, improve your skills and develop new ones.
In times of economic trouble, employers may focus on retention and fill job vacancies internally, making it a crucial time to upskill for your career growth. So, whether you are still looking for a new job, or staying where you are, you can secure your position and increase your chances of success by upskilling – in digital, there is no such thing as knowing too much!
Upskilling - How To Do it
Effective upskilling involves the combination of internal skills and external resources. Depending on where you work and what your current working situation is, you should be able to use a mix of your company’s training modules as well as your own creativity to your advantage. With so many of us working from home now it can be difficult to leverage company resources in the same way. So, whether you’re aiming to make a move, increase your pay or just make yourself more versatile, here are some of the top ways to upskill remotely, or fit it into your new hybrid working.#1 Make it a part of your routine
If you are trying to fit in upskilling around working from home, it can be really challenging. By the time you've done your work it can be really hard to stay at your desk and commit to learning. But, here's the thing. If you don't commit to it, you won't do it. Try starting small, half an hour before you start your working day for example, or a quiet hour after your evening meal.#2 Listen to podcasts
This seems to feature a lot in tips and blogs online and for good reason! There is a wealth of great information out there now, easily accessible and easy to fit in your life. You can listen to a podcast at the gym, on the bus, doing the washing up, or while working. Check out some of these upskilling podcasts as see what you think.#3 Read industry news and books
While many books are available online to listen to know, podcasts aren't for everyone. Try subscribing to industry newsletters or magazines and looking for industry-related books you can enjoy with your coffee.
#4 Try out new technologies
Take the opportunity whenever possible to have a go at new technologies. This might be something you get the chance to do at work or something you need to take on yourself. The truth is, even non-tech roles require a certain amount of technical proficiency in the digital marketing world. There are usually free tutorials for many platforms which aren't too time consuming or labour intensive.#5 Use online course providers
There are so many courses available online now. Udemy and LinkedIn Learning provide thousands of course options for a reasonable price - LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial. Google Analytics Academy and Codeacademy have free courses available and both provide fantastic insights for those working in digital industries.#6 Attend virtual events
Even though we are back out in the world there are still plenty of online events and conferences which allow you to attend from your own home and connect with people around the world. A great way to learn and upskill without leaving the house - saving you time.
Upskilling Is Futureproofing
With virtual options and free courses available, if you are thinking about upskilling for any reason, there really is nothing to stop you. Just don't overload your schedule. Start with small and manageable learning and see what works with your lifestyle. Don't forget to ask your employer if there is something specific related to your role or company you want to learn - they may be able to share excellent resources with you and might even give you time to learn in your working day. For more content like this, head to the dotgap blog!
As we are coming out of summer, the Christmas countdowns will be starting before you know it. The rest of the year has a tendency to slip away very quickly and if you are job hunting, you may feel as though everything grinds to a halt and you may as well wait until the new year to find a new job.
You may have even heard that companies don’t hire in the fourth quarter of the year because of the holidays. The truth is though, the worst time of year to find a job is actually over the summer, during the school holiday period.
Hiring remains relatively high across all sectors with a notable increase in hiring across hospitality and leisure, retail and media, marketing, advertising, PR and sales. These industries are the most active recruiters at the moment.
October through December are certainly very busy for businesses but companies all across the country will still be actively recruiting and keen to have open positions filled for the new year. On top of this, if you don’t find your dream job to apply for there are still plenty of things you can do to help get a job before the year ends.
Networking Can Help You Find A Job
Part of the reason the holiday season seems like a daunting time for jobseekers and hiring managers is the busy social side of the end of the year. It is likely your calendar will fill up with social events with friends, family and work events all vying for space. Instead of writing off the last quarter of the year to parties, why not make them work for you? 85% of job openings are filled through networking in the UK. Now, we aren't suggesting you try and network with your granddad at your Aunt Linda's Christmas lunch but you never know who you might meet at a holiday party. Someone might know of an opening at their work or put you in touch with a friend who's hiring. Consider taking business cards with you or connecting on social media. Keep it professional though - Linked In is best. For tips of how to network successfully, check out this article on networking at tech events.
Be Ready For Short Notice Interviews
As we have already mentioned, hiring doesn’t slow down in Q4. However, you need to remember that many employees take time off for the holidays and this can slow down the recruitment process while staff cover for one another. You might notice you wait longer than usual for a reply to emails. Don't let this put you off your efforts to find a new job. You may receive interview confirmation and a date with little notice. With staff off, it will be harder for companies to organise interviews. o, you should be ready to go at short notice. Read up on interview skills, think of answers to common interview questions and think about why you want to work for this company. When you get called in for an interview, you'll just have to focus on researching the company. You'll be able to go in armed with knowledge and feel confident you are prepared.
Get A Headstart On The New Year
Obviously, there are many reasons you may not find a new job by the end of the year but there are still reasons why you should be active in your industry during Q4. The fact that many believe there is no hiring in Q4 will work in your favour, you might find there are less applicants and you are more likely to land an interview. Even if your dream company isn't actually hiring until the new year, you will benefit from networking. It is a great time of year to network and if you are memorable, you might be the first person they bring in for an interview. You can avoid being lost in a pile of new year's applications.
Now Is A Great Time To Find A Job
The average time to hire in 2022 is 42 days. If you take into account the time on either side of that for you to find a new job, and to get ready to start, the whole process can take longer. By October, many companies will be making plans for the new year which includes seeing whether they need new staff. Instead of hiring someone in January, it’s much more beneficial to hire someone in the months before so their new hire can be fully onboarded and ready to contribute once the calendar rolls over. For your next opportunity, contact doptgap today and find your next job!
Obviously, there are a great many factors to consider when you are considering changing jobs. Things like location, pay, company culture and how much you enjoy or don't enjoy your current job are all highly relevant. If you are in a position to change jobs tactically or a new opportunity has presented itself, this article can give you helpful guidance on optimising your moves to help your marketing career!
As you progress through your current job, you may notice your interests shift. In the fast-paced world of media, marketing, advertising and digital you may notice your job role shifts too. You can find yourself looking elsewhere for a new challenge or discover a new role you want to follow. To make sure you are changing careers an appropriate number of times to best demonstrate your desire to progress while still assuring recruiters and hiring managers you can commit, read on!
Agency Marketing Careers – Should You Jump Ship?
It is a long- held belief in the industry that marketers start on the agency side to build their skills before looking for a more permanent in-house team. It is certainly true that there are enourmous benefits to agency work in regards to building knowledge. You'll work with a variety of clients and potentially be exposed to many different fields and roles. However, this doesn't mean after a time you will complete this journey and be ready to 'settle' elsewhere. It is down to you and the opportunities that arise so ther eis nothing to say this established route is the best. Historical models for career progression don't really fit in the digital marketing world, with new developments, new technology and therefore new roles advancing all the time agencies have a great deal to offer those looking to explore all the industry has to offer. With traditional advice, and that of managers, often being to stay in their departments, hone their craft, and learn to nurture other people’s development you have to wonder if this is really still the best way to learn.Tactical Moves Can Help You Keep Ahead
Changing jobs can give you the exposure you get at an agency by letting you work in different roles and industries. This will strengthen your professional experience and ultimately enrich your marketing career. As the digital industry continues to grow, more emphasis is placed on skills specialist possess rather than time in a specific role. Given the fast-evolving nature of digital, many of the most knowledgeable digital marketers have the least work experience as they have come straight from learning new technologies and the most up to date innovations. Many traditional marketers might find they don't have time to learn these new things 'on-the-job. Employees can gain perspective about best practices and a new skill set as they move from one employer to another. A well-thought-out job change can let you learn new skills as part of your day-to-day job and new employee training.
Changing jobs is a balancing act
It doesn't take a genius to see that job hopping too much can hurt your employability. But it is possible that staying too long in one job can hold you back too! For most jobs, employers will be looking for a balance between commitment and progression so it is not a simple decision to know when to stay and when to move on.
Staying too long can look like complacency or lack of motivation and employers might assume you would have difficulty adapting to new situations or different company culture. In short, the number of times you should move depends on your preferences. All employers' requirements are different but a good rule of thumb is at least one to three years.
Staying in a role for three years or so can let employers know you are wiling to commit yourself but also that you are up for the chance to learn new things. It suggests an employee who is constantly learning and progressing and ready for the chance to learn new things.
Should I Stay or Should I go: Progressing Your Marketing Career
If you're happy in your role, there is no reason to move until you feel ready for an opportunity elsewhere. Many people stay in with the same company in similar positions for a long time because they enjoy the role and the company. You should change if feel there is no way to progress further where you are and you are hungry to learn more. Maybe you have a career plan and need to move companies in order to get to the role you are aspiring to. There is no one answer or quick-fix and there is no telling what opportunities might or might not arise in your current place of work - especially if you are with a start-up or rapidly expanding company. Are you ready for your next challenge? Dot-gap has a range of exciting opportunities available now, from entry-level to account director. Get in touch today to make your smart move.
It can be a daunting prospect, to go back to work. From the perspective of the woman who has been home looking after children, it can be overwhelming and intimidating, depending on how long you have been out of the traditional workforce. Unfortunately, there is still a deeply ingrained bias within the world of work. It ignores the value-added skills a mother has, both innately, and learned from their experiences as a parent. At dotgap, we believe Motherhood is no reason to feel as though you can't go back to your career in media.
Read on for our tips on how to take back your job.
Why Is Media So Difficult To Return To?
Media careers are often hard-earned and low paid, with a lot of emphasis placed on work experience. Taking time away can make you feel as though you've lost the momentum you've likely spent years building. Both media and marketing are fast-paced industries, changing more rapidly than ever with new technologies and software being released all the time. A year or two out of work and you can feel really out of the loop! There are a lot of articles out there talking about using your time as a mother to take courses and learn new skills. However, motherhood is already demanding you learn, on the job, every day. So, how can you stay in the know?- Try to use social media to connect with other women in the industry or the company you are interested in. If you can find a good mentor this way, it would be invaluable.
- Industry podcasts are a great way to keep on top of the hottest topics.
- You could also set up industry news alerts on your phone so you get the latest information wherever you are.
Talk About The Skills You Have Gained Through Motherhood
This is an important one. Don't shy away from the things you have learnt and tasks you have achieved while you have been working as a mother. Much like we talked about in our post about writing a CV in 2022, you need to be upfront and open about what you've done at home. Don't be embarrassed to use examples from your home life to demonstrate how you can juggle tasks and get things done. For example: Planning a wedding is not something we might think to cite as experience on a CV. It can, however, be a fantastic example of dealing with multiple suppliers and stakeholders, multitasking under pressure, and working to a deadline!Time Management
Every day, mums have to look after other lives as well as their own. This ultimately means using the time in a day effectively. It is easy enough to fill a day with one person's needs, for example, eating, exercising, work, rest and play. But if you double or triple this responsibility you've got to be seriously good at organisation and time management. Prioritising tasks is a natural part of day-to-day life as a mother. This can be transferred to managing workloads or a team of people in the workplace.Communication and Negotiation
As a mother, it is a natural and an instinctive skill to speak clearly and comprehensively, especially with young children. Instructions are given simply, and tasks are explained with patience and clarity. This is a skill which has enormous value in the workplace. The negotiation skills required to calmly talk a toddler out of a meltdown can make mums excellent colleagues, easy to talk to and patient with questions. This patience and approachability give mums a specific skillset which can make them great managers, better than other candidates in many circumstances.Working Under Pressure
Any new parent has to quickly learn how to handle a range of previously unknown situations. This adaptability is undervalued by employers in the workplace. Mums can react and adapt to new situations quickly and calmly, while meeting ever-changing and often immediate deadlines.
Be Clear About Your Needs
Use those excellent communication and negotiation skills learned through motherhood when discussing any role with a potential employer.- Make sure that any flexibility offered is actually flexible.
- Communicate clearly when you will be contactable to employers and colleagues (hours/working days).
- Don't be afraid to bring up remote working or flexible home working options.
- Be clear about plans for potential kids' sick days, you can ask the agency if they have days off available for dependents?
And One More Thing ...
Don't pay attention to the narrative and bias - motherhood does not make you a high-risk employee, but instead, you offer high potential. Highlight the qualities like patience, commitment and determination you can bring to the roles. Remember to communicate clearly about your needs and requirements, and you will foster a long-lasting and productive working relationship. Are you looking to get back to your media career? Head to our jobs page for the latest digital postings.
LinkedIn is undoubtably the number one online social networking site in the world. It is not industry specific, and with its global reach there is nearly no end to the potential connections you can make. In an ongoing climate of uncertainty with to face to face meetings, a booming global jobs market, and virtual networking it has become invaluable.
Here’s some of our top reasons you should be using it, whether you are actively looking for work, wanting to learn more about your industry, or progress in your current position.
Share and Learn With Your Peers
Not only is LinkedIn a great place to network, it is a great source of information. You can find articles written by some of the top thought leaders in industries around the world and join groups related to your work to learn and share. Reading articles and asking questions can be a really easy way to keep up to date with the latest trends in, and related to, your industry. Another great new addition to LinkedIn are the skill assessments you can take to earn a certificate to add to your profile to show your proficiency. For a full list click here.
Ready Made CV
LinkedIn can work for you as a CV or resume template. There are, however, pros and cons to this. Filling in your LinkedIn profile is a simple enough process but it can be fairly time consuming. There are a lot of sections and you need to fill them all in in order to have a chance at being found. When you've done this though, you'll have a personal statement, basis for a cover letter and a full list of your job history, experience, and skills all completed and easily updated. To further this, you can get involved with conversations on industry topics and post your own thoughts and articles to show your interests inside and outside your profession. In need of some inspiration? Check out some examples of great linked in profiles hereA Good LinkedIn Profile Gives You A Headstart
On your marks, get set, GO!
Even if you aren't actively looking for a new job or promotion, when you keep your profile updated with new skills or recommendations. These can come from employers and co-workers you are keeping yourself ready for any sudden changes or opportunities that come your way. With a reach spanning approximately 200 countries, you can keep your online CV in top condition discretely while keeping yourself open to opportunities should the right one come along.
It's not just useful for jobseekers, as an employer you can easily make long term connections and reach out to promising talent as you discover it.
Just starting out? Here's some more tips on how to use Linked In to get a job.
But wait ...
... A Word of Warning
Hopefully this article has given you a few pointers to either start your LinkedIn profile or to think about polishing it up. Some things you need to consider are:- Make sure you remember it is a social networking site. So remember your employers past, present and future could see it.
- Any links to other social sites should be treated with caution too.
- There are pros and cons as there to any online profile, so make sure you do your research and respect the security of own and other people's information.
Do you have itchy feet? Maybe you are looking for new opportunities in a market with more room for growth? Or are you simply dreaming of sunnier climes? With global travel becoming increasingly accessible again, and countries once more welcoming visas and immigration, there's no time like now to start looking for your next job abroad. Before you embark on your next adventure, you need to make sure you CV is up to scratch. Read on for three simple tips to optimise your CV for international job search.
Photo by Fauxels on Pexels.com
Always Write A Personal Statement
Some things never change. From our experience, all countries look favourably on a personal statement. Whether it’s explicitly asked for or not, it is a great way to showcase you personality, achievements, and ambitions as well as a way to expand on your previous experience. Your full job history may not fit on two pages of your CV* so a well-written personal statement gives you a great opportunity to sum up what makes you the best fit for this role. *Bonus tip: some countries even prefer a one-page CV, and others permit three!Do I Need A Photo For My International Job Search?
Photo by Andrea Piacquad on Pexels.com
Do Your Research
This shouldn't be news to any seasoned job seeker but ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find out about the company, the company culture, the country's working culture, whether a photo is expected, or frowned upon, what personal information should be included. Treat this like your first CV and make sure you double-check everything. Carrying out research on new countries is easier now than ever before. You can join international jobs Facebook groups and connect with people who live there, or even connect with employees at the company via Linked In. Make sure to get a native speaker to read your CV, especially if you are writing in another language.
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com
Checklist For Success In Your International Job Search
Just like any job search in your home country, it is vital to understand the CV norms and expectations. You can unwittingly exclude yourself from consideration for a role without even having your CV read to the end. In summary, here's our checklist for success:- There is no universal template
- Find out about any local or national cultural norms
- Check out Linked In
- And don’t forget the usual tips on How to Make Your Job Application Stand Out