Social Networking and Blog Links in Your Resume

With the proliferation of blogs and social networking, many job seekers have begun to wonder about whether to include relevant links to these sites in their resumes. These links could include LinkedIn Profiles, profiles on Facebook, MySpace, Plaxo, Ning, Zoominfo, or Ziggs, or even a blog. Certainly the number of places where a person can be "found" online is multiplying daily! And employers are using these social networking profiles and blogs to search and "qualify" job candidates (see Online Identity Management and Job Search).

I recently got a question from an employed job seeker in Information Technology who writes a "work-related" blog. He felt his blog link should be on his resume, but was confused about where to place it. The straight-forward answer is where it will most easily be seen: at the top of your resume with the rest of your contact information.

But the bigger question is this: is your blog content and image aligned and positively adding to your personal brand and your brand message? Will it pass scrutiny for 1) not being objectionable or giving away confidential employer/company information, 2) establishing you as a thought leader in your leader and as a “giver” who shares resources and information, and 3) containing recent content and consistent updating with new blog posts?

If you can say "yes" to the questions above, your blog could ideally differentiate you from your competitors in the job market and highlight your unique value to the employer. In other words, simply writing a blog or a LI Profile is not enough. Gaining visibility by providing a link on your resume or by being "found" online is the first step; delivering your compelling personal branding message is the critical closer.

Cross-posted at Career Goddess Blog by Susan Guarneri

Comments

[Beth Robinson]

I agree that if you choose to put in an online link it should be at the top of your blog along with your email and phone.

Unless you're applying for a job where the experience in writing, building traffic, networking, marketing (and potentially selling, depending on what your blog does) is directly relevant to the position. Then it should be down there in employment/experience.

Another reason to consider including a profile link up top, even if it isn't completely aligned with your job-hunting branding, is if you have a common name. That way when they search for all the Elizabeth Robinsons in the world, to take myself as an example, they don't find the wrong info and think I'm that other person. Especially since all of my online interactions occur as Beth Robinson.

[Dan Eustace]

RE: blogs in one's resume

Recognizing the long-tail effect that is the side benefits or related, even distantly related concepts brought together in blogs, they represent part of our professional presence.

These are relevant in the discussion about listing on a resume and being a thought leader. My sense is that places on a resume could be in the heading or in the "affiliations" section, like a professional society.

Care should be taken as Beth Robinson points out to name recognition.

Thank you for the opportunity.

[Eric Mariacher]

To reinforce your message I also suggest to make heavy use of Q&A feature of LinkedIn (4th advice).

Grow your network while you don't need it

http://eric-mariacher.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-2-cents-about-online-business.html

1st advice "Grow your network while you don't need it"
2nd advice "know why you want to network"
3rd advice "get recommendations from current and past colleagues posted on your profile"
4th advice "make heavy use of the Q&A feature (on LinkedIn) or post on forums"
5th advice "never use standard boiler plate templates" when inviting people to connect
6th advice/fact "The more connections you have, the more time you must spend"
7th advice "join yahoo networking groups. You will learn a lot"
8th advice "Read other 2 cents advices"
9th advice "Do not forget other ways of networking"

[Resify]

If it adds value to your resume and to you as a potential candidate, then go for it. Just know that you're putting yourself out there and anything on your site is fair game for employers.

Controlling your own narrative is another plus. If potential employers can click a link rather than googling you, you may be able to guide them better.

[Brian]

This blog is really very
u nice and full of information.

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[Uk Employment Guide]

That’s fantastic advice - best advice is from someone recruiting recently who can explain what they’re looking for.

[AlexPitson]

Great idea.I think adding link on the top of your blog will may create a positive impact.But you should be sure that your link should promote your business .
http://www.marketinglifelines.com/numis-network-review-scam-scandal/

[send large files]

Great idea!!! I am gonna use this in my future resume. Lets see how it will make a difference.

[Allen Cleveland]

Really great information. Social networking becomes popular day by day and LinkedIn Profiles are great way to get a nice job. Thanks for sharing us.

[Joey Fratantoni]

This is a fantastic topic to discuss! I have a personal blog I use for my business and have found that it does an excellent job of selling me before I ever talk to my prospects. I think this would have a similar effect on a potential employer who wants to learn more about their interviewee. Websites like LinkedIn, Facebook and the newest one, MyLife, will do the same thing for an employer. If you do have a personal blog or are participating in any other social networking websites just be sure to be professional and promote your strengths.

[Kermit Wallace]

Understand that whatever you do online can be found and seen, so if you've chosen to blog then potential employers who choose to 'look you up' will find what you've written. As noted above, guiding them to a site you want them to see vs. one that would be found via a search may have its own value.

[Sample Resume Objectives]

Hey! its extremely helpful for New bloggers. the idea of putting link on top of your blog will not only help to improve business but also help to make visitors to visit new links every time.

[cv examples]

Simply Fantastic observation.,

[Professional Writing]

It seems like the concept of link building gets thrown around a lot, but many people simply never find out the best ways to get links to their website.

[cv templates]

I am a New blogger, i follow your advice and getting much positive response then earlier. I would suggest it to my friends as well.

-syed-

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[mark]

As someone who has been involved in hiring new employees for a while now, I can tell you that keeping your personal brand clean online is essential.

A friend of mine who works for a large bank, for example, told me that she was about to hire someone when one of her staff told her that they had found one of the candidate's facebook page and it had some questionable content.

That company's policy is to not do online research on prospective new employees, and my friend did not do any. But, once she had learned about the facebook page, she was in a tough spot.

They did not hire that candidate.

Nice conversation. :) Have a good day!