Why would you even need an online presence?

Let’s look at job hunting. Today, it is not simply enough to submit a resume. While it is true that your resume could help to get you in the door (and is still a requirement even in this age of LinkedIn), an online presence will expand your persona, can take advantage of multimedia (podcasts, video, etc) and will give you a leg up over your competitors. On the web, you can generate your own personal PR. If the employer likes what you have to say, you create buy-in before you even walk through the door. Simply put, you can sell yourself by putting your persona online. And, if your perspective employer does not like what he sees, you probably weren’t a goof fit anyway,

That said, let’s get to the meat of this post:

So, how do you do it? where do you start?

Google Profiles: the newest entry into online presence, and possible the most important. Profiles was launched in late April 2009 and it will spread quickly. It is possibly the fastest way for someone to access your information. All they need to do is google your name and any pertinent information (i.e. Bill Smith Musician) . Click on the link above to access Profiles or read more about it here.

My Google Profile

LinkedIn: No doubt you’ve heard of this service, LinkedIn is the professional social networking portal that allows you to connect with co-workers and  present your work history to those who may seek to employ you in the future. If you haven’t set up an account you should definitely do so.

VisualCV: another resume site that lets you present your resume in a very good light. Places for video, recommendation, and portfolio pieces can present you in rockstar fashion.

Twitter: Ah yes, the non-stop rocket that is Twitter. Yes, set up a twitter account. Here’s the key: provide useful links and information and you will paint a pretty picture of yourself. Read this article for more information on using twitter effectively. The short of it is, you don’t need to be tweeting all day to be effective, you just have to bring solid value.

Blogger or Wordpress: Using these blogging services is relatively easy. Creating a blog is essential to getting yourself out there. Blogging can set you up as a thought leader in your field of choice. Doing so conveys a level of expertise to your peers and, ultimately, to your prospective employers. couple this with tweets about your posts on twitter, and you establish your value inherently.