This blog is OVER..

Hey Peeps....I blog over at WordPress now: http://kristienigl.wordpress.com, and at The Daily Blogma http://www.dailyblogma.com and http://www.selfGrowth.com.

Please visit me for global career insider tips!!

Are You Using Social Media for Career Management?

Be Visible!

Many of my clients tell me they are not using Linked In, Facebook, or Twitter as career tools. In many cases, that is why they have hired me, and I help them to create a Social Media Strategy, which takes advantage of all the free Social Media apps available. Career Management is serious business these days, and Social Media changes all the rules. Today's saavy job seeker must manage their career online. From entry level college grads to Senior Level CEO's, your online career brand is often the go/no-go factor in obtaining an interview. One recruiter for IT professionals I met recently relayed to me that he'd stopped using paper resumes 3 years ago; he recruits exclusively on Linked In. He said "if you're not on Linked In, then you are invisible".

Do not be invisible. Here are three tips to help you manage your career online:

1. Use Linked In.

It is the premier site for professionals. I will not get into how to set up a profile, you can hire a professional for that if you would like to save time, *shameless plug*. I want to emphasis that Linked In is an excellent tool to network, and stay informed in your career field, or research a new field if you need a change. Also, it's a very easy way to boost your visibility and credibility.

2. Use Facebook.

They have just added a new app, BeKnown, where you find and connect with jobs, companies, and colleagues in your field. Set your FB up professionally, so no wild pictures from your vacations in Mexico! Use the profiles like bios, and link it back to your Linked In profile. Be active on company sites, recruiter pages, and groups that you have targeted. Get visible!

3. Use Twitter. 

You can use Twitter to "Follow" targeted recruiters, firms, colleagues, networkers, and leaders in your career field. It is the new "go to" in recruiting, and job openings will be "tweeted" out to followers before they are announced elsewhere. Use Twellow.com or Listorious.com to find people you want to follow. 

These are the top three I recommend you utilize in your daily career management. Learn how to use them, or hire a professional. And, this is important, create a cohesive career brand on all three. Think of it as your personal marketing campaign, with you as the "product" and Social Media as the "advertising" platform. It is well worth your time to manage your career online. Be visible!


Overwhelmed by Social Media? Send me an email to get started!


About the “Visible” Author: Kristi Enigl is a Global Career and Job Search Consultant who brings over 20 years of Hiring, HR Management and Executive Recruiting across a broad spectrum of industries to her professional practice. She helps professionals identify, create, and market their career brand so they reach their career goals – FAST. She is an expert resume writer, interview coach, and speaker. Info at http://www.kristienigl.com/, http://linkedin.com/in/kristienigl or twitter.com/kristienigl or Facebook.com/kristienigl.

Are you 21st Century Workforce Ready?

Career Flexibility

America has been undergoing a major transformation on how we work and live. The past three years have seen significant changes to our economy, employment, housing and just about everything else. Money is tight, stress is high, and most people who lost their jobs in the past three years are simply looking to replace them. Even though recent polls have shown that most people are unsatisfied with their jobs, and record number of people plan on searching for new employment this year, having a job is how most people provide for themselves and their families. Being “on the payroll” provides a sense of security few things can replace.

However, as over 13.5 million Americans know, secure jobs that offer a living wage/decent salary, full benefits, and vacations etc., are becoming rare. Global companies have learned to have lean workforces and maximum profits. Since this business model is so successful, it will no doubt stick around. So, as the economy “recovers”, the good jobs that were once available seem to be a thing of the past. What then, is the new paradigm for the 21st century workforce? From what I can tell from hiring managers, recruiters and firms, being flexible is the key to our future success. Be more flexible with these tips:

The Flexible Employer

The 21st century company need less employees. And many companies are moving toward a remote workforce, where employees work from where they are. Telecommuting will likely become the norm within the next decade.

The 21st century company will hire more consultants, temp or contact workers. Many companies will hire personnel based on expertise and projects, to have a more fluid, less expensive workforce. Corporations have no obligation to their employees, only their stockholders.

The 21st century company will implement new technologies that allow teams to work from anywhere, and work variable hours. Companies can quickly staff up in response to need or per project.

The Flexible Employee

The 21st century employee needs to be technologically savvy by embracing new ways of communicating and working. Using the Internet for work, communication, and career management is essential.

The 21st century employee must be adept at marketing themselves online and in-person. Proficiency in networking and Social Media are paramount, and brand management is how they get work.

The 21st century employee must have multiple revenue streams. Relying on one job for income is not wise, as we learned in the Great Recession.

The workforce of tomorrow must be agile, smart and resilient. The three things you need for success in the future are career branding, social media knowledge, and efficient networking. Knowing your expertise, and what it is worth on the market, is critical. Further, knowing how to take advantage of free social media marketing is how you get work. And having several “irons in the fire” will become the norm. Plan on having a primary source of income such as consulting, then maybe add a home-based business, or MLM, or work in the temporary employment market. Think like an entrepreneur and re-educate if necessary.

About the “21st Century” Author: Kristi Enigl is a Global Career and Job Search Consultant who brings over 20 years of Hiring, HR Management and Executive Recruiting across a broad spectrum of industries to her professional practice. She helps professionals identify, create, and market their career brand so they reach their career goals – FAST. She is an expert resume writer, interview coach, and speaker. Info at http://www.kristienigl.com/.