TwitterDid you know that you can actually use Twitter as an effective tool for finding jobs and other employment opportunities? There several methods you can use to make this social media platform a convenient way of finding employment opportunities and when you know what to share on Twitter, you may be surprised at the rewards you can get in terms of career growth and employment opportunities. Here’s how you can make Twitter an online tool for finding possible employment.

• The first thing you need to do is maximize your profile. You can create an online resume either in Visual CV or LinkedIn and then use the site field on your Twitter profile to link your employment history from LinkedIn or Visual CV to your Twitter account.

• If you are planning to use your Twitter account solely for the purpose of job searching, make sure that you are using a professional name. You can use your first initial and integrate it with your surname but don’t use account names like “SexyMitch” or “FootballFan181”. Names like these won’t get you anywhere.

• Make it a point to follow companies you want to work for. This will allow you to learn more about the company, business matters related to that particular company plus you can also use it as a platform to let them know of your interest in working with them. [click to continue…]

medical leaveReturning to work after a long medical leave is among the most difficult and often complicated transitions in the life of an employee. But in order to overcome all the obstacles it may present along the way, you need to create an efficient plan that will help you move your career forward and avoid being stagnated after a lengthy medical leave. Experts believe that by creating an advanced and more comprehensive plan before returning to work, you will be able to better focus on the things that can help you to adjust to your workplace and, thereby, have a better shot for career advancement.

Before you begin your medical leave, you need to discuss it with your superior so both parties can define clear expectations. Because of the Family and Medical Act, there is an allowance that is often referred to as ‘intermittent leave’ which is designed to help employees on medical or family leave have an easy and flexible way of returning to the workforce. But you also have to expect that you will face challenges once you return, such as needing to brush up on your skills or adapt to a new system that has been developed during the months you’ve been away on medical leave. [click to continue…]

job searchThe current job market is becoming so competitive that a job search is not just about applying for a job and sitting back with the hopes of being called for an interview. Individuals need to market themselves to employers as they try to beat out others for the positions they desire. The following strategies will help you acquire a job despite the competition.

1. One must be able to put together a good resume and cover letter. In your resume you should include your accomplishments and skills. A good resume should speak volumes about you and above all give the hiring manager a glimpse of why he or she should hire you over the rest.

2. You should assess yourself before you apply for a particular position. Take a pen and a paper and write down what you believe are your skills, experiences and major accomplishments. Consider what you enjoy doing or think you are good at.  Do not compromise by applying for a job that you would easily get bored with or find yourself quitting after sometime when you realize that it is not fulfilling. [click to continue…]

social media profileIn order to effectively optimize and enhance the visibility of your social media profiles, you need to have a good foundation of relevant keywords. This is a good way to increase your internet presence and at the same time allow you to manage your social media profiles in a more efficient manner.

You can start by setting up your profile with a keyword rich bio. You can use the terms commonly used by people when looking for a job or employment opportunities so you can have a better chance of being found online.

The most commonly used social media platform for job seekers is LinkedIn because it is more professional and business-like as compared to other popular social media websites like Facebook or Twitter. But what are the important keywords you can use in your profile to make it more searchable in this particular social media website? [click to continue…]

follow up letterIf you already sent your resume and cover letter and have waited for several days and still failed to receive a reply, then it is time for you to send a follow up letter. Sending a follow up letter is important because it allows you to inquire about the status of your job application and at the same time inform your possible employer about your interest in the position you are applying to. Below are some important points you need to remember when writing your job search follow up letter.

• First of all, you can prepare your letter either through email or by traditional letter. If you have the email address of the company or the human resources department, it is more practical to send a follow up letter by email because of the convenience and ease of access. Use the subject line to write the position you are applying for and your name. [click to continue…]

entrepreneurWorking for yourself is something that many people aspire to but few are willing to take the risk it takes to build a successful business. And the fears that people have about diving headlong into entrepreneurship are not entirely unfounded – statistics show that a large percentage of businesses fail within the first year.

A very small proportion stays in operation for 5 years or more. This then means that many people who start businesses find themselves re-entering regular employment to ensure a steady income. But that said, some people start successful businesses but still make their way back to regular employment to supplement their income.

One of the things any entrepreneur will find difficult and must start to deal with even before they land their first job is moving from a boss mentality to an employee mentality. As an entrepreneur, you had the power to make all key decisions and you determined the direction your business took. As an employee, you will have to contend with the wishes of your superiors and sometimes, these may not be what you would have done if you were in a similar position. [click to continue…]

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