Creating an online presence = Better chance of employment?
As I am sitting on the couch watching a movie, I can’t help but notice no matter how hard I try to stay focused on the movie I cannot for the life of me shut off my brain. I am, unfortunately, entering month four of being unemployed (working a few shifts a week in retail with a BA and a post-graduate degree, I would consider myself as ‘half’ employed). That being said, I find myself scrambling for things to do with my time. Sitting in the depths of my despair while longing for full-time work in my field, I think to myself; ‘Am I really doing everything I possibly can to find a job in my field?’
I have to be, right? I send out resume, upon resume, upon resume, I’ve met with career counselors, I’ve put my writing samples online, posted my resume on every job site that you could possibly think of, I’ve even connected with professionals in the field AND I even have a LinkedIn account. What am I missing?
I actually had one of those “AH HA!” moments people tend to rave about. I’m NOT doing everything I can do, I’m completely lacking with my online presence!
This was stressed so often throughout PR school. Social media is a super important aspect of the PR profession. Almost all jobs I have looked at have involved possessing a strong knowledge of social media platforms and trends. Creating a social media presence for myself will not only boost my credentials for the job search, I will also be putting my name out there in a different way then just job applications. Also! Since I put my blog and Twitter account on my resume, it will also show employers proof that I am, in fact, a social media guru!
So, how will I do this successfully?
Do not fret my fellow unemployed PR professionals! It will be easy but take some time and effort.
5 Tips for Creating an Online Presence
Vow to create a new blog post relatable to PR every week or more. This will create new writing samples for possible employers to view, allow you to gain more blogging experience AND increase your followers – all equaling a better online presence!
Tweet! Daily! Retweet posts you like such as; articles you find interesting, the latest news that you relate to and especially retweet those who you would like to connect with. Reply to tweets you have a rational opinion on, favourite tweets that stick with you and of course post your latest blog posts.
Keep up with social media trends and what’s happening in the news! This will involve reading and scanning Twitter regularly. Twitter is a great way to see what everyone is talking about. Simply check out what’s trending. Being up to date with social media trends and what’s happening in the news is vital for any PR professional. So stay tuned in.
Clearing out any inappropriate pictures, posts or comments that are on your Facebook or Twitter or in fact, ANY social media outlet you use. It’s important to be cautious of what you post. Once it’s out there it’s hard to take back. Proof read, spell check and proof read some more. If you’re questioning whether you should post that then your probably shouldn't.
Measure, measure, MEASURE! Keep up to date with your impact. How many new followers have you gained since being more active? How many people have retweeted you? Shared your posts? Liked your Instagram pictures? Measurement is always important in Public Relations. This will also keep you experienced and up to date with measurement techniques for when you DO score that dream job in PR because YOU WILL!
Please feel free to post comments or more tips on creating a social media/online presence. I am open to everyone’s opinions!
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