Five Things You Can Do To Get Noticed by Employers Online

Whether you’re actively looking for a new job or you’re always looking for the next great opportunity, chances are, your search starts online. It’s a quick and convenient way to learn more about the businesses you’re interested in working for, as well as browsing open positions.

However, you aren’t the only one conducting a search online. Employers start their search for new employees online too, and with so many candidates to choose from, you have to make sure you stand out if you want a chance at your dream job.

No matter what kind of job you’re looking for or how serious your search, these tips will help you get noticed online.

Create and Update a LinkedIn Profile

One of the best ways to get noticed by employers is to have a LinkedIn account. Not only are jobs sometimes posted on the platform, but you can create an informative profile that can be viewed by employers at any time.

Just make sure you take the time to make the most of your LinkedIn profile. A few ways you can improve your profile so you make a positive impression on potential employers include:

• Use keywords throughout your profile to ensure it’s searchable.
• Specify your current location and mention if you’re willing to relocate.
• Be as detailed as you can when describing your work experience.
• Be specific about your skills and describe them thoroughly.

Rework Your Social Media Accounts

LinkedIn is a professional social media account where you can let your career take the lead, but you likely wear a different hat when using other types of social media accounts.

There’s nothing wrong with being yourself on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, but more employers than ever before are searching social media to learn more about potential candidates for open positions. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to delete your profiles, but it does mean you have to go through and clean them up a bit.

Make sure you untag or delete inappropriate photographs or videos, avoid discriminatory or defamatory language, and take down any information that’s a little too personal. You should also go through previous posts and remove anything that is associated with your career or a job if it isn’t positive. You don’t want a potential employer to see you bragging about calling in sick when you weren’t!

Use the Right Photos

Photos can get you noticed online. Although your experience and work history are most important to recruiters and companies that are hiring, a good professional photo can really seal the deal.

Take the time to take a quality headshot. Pay attention to what you’re wearing, your makeup, and make sure you have the right lighting. If you’re struggling to get the perfect shot, consider hiring a professional.

Once you have the perfect shot, make sure you update all of your online materials. You should also consider creating or updating your Gravatar, which is an image and a short profile that follows you from site to site whenever you comment or post.

Start a Blog

LinkedIn is one great way to feature your professional life online, but it isn’t the only way. You can really set yourself apart if you start a blog.

Starting a blog doesn’t have to be difficult, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to write. You can create your own website with a blog, but you can also post articles to LinkedIn. Podcasts and videos on YouTube count too! Post content that’s relevant to your career, your dream job, or passion projects to increase your chances of being noticed by employers.

Respond Quickly

When browsing online, recruiters and employers may decide they want to reach out. It’s very unlikely that they will reach out by phone. Instead, they are more likely to reach out through an online message or email.

Getting the timing right when responding to messages can be difficult, but by responding quickly, you can make a good first impression. Strive to return messages within 24 hours, but faster is often better. Just make sure you don’t respond when you’re on the clock at another job, and don’t give them the impression that you hover over your email if that’s not what you’re willing to do if you are hired.

The internet is the perfect place for recruiters and employers to find you! Just make sure you don’t get lost in the shuffle. Set yourself apart from others online by following these tips.