2008 Woodie Awards
When Job Hunting: Image Means Everything
Marian Cacciatore
Issue date: 10/9/06 Section: Holt News
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Question:
I am going to be graduating in May and want to start my job search. A friend mentioned that I may want to take off my profile on MySpace. Is this really something that could affect my job search?
Holt Senior '07
Answer:
Depending on the personal information shared within your online profile you may want to consider "cleaning it up"or taking it off.
According to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers ( NACE) it was reported that one in 10 employers (11.1 percent) plan on reviewing profiles on social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook when considering candidates for jobs.
In addition, once the company reviews the profile information, it appears to have at least some effect on an employer's hiring decisions. NACE reported that more than 60 percent of employers who review social networking sites said the information gleaned there has at least some influence on their hiring decisions.
So, with the keen competition for jobs I would suggest that you identify and remove any obstacles that may exist. It is just not worth the risk!
Question:
I am looking for a job and need to know how to select people to be references for me?
Holt Senior '07
Answer:
Very often students neglect this very important step in their job search strategy. Before embarking on a search it is important to identify and prepare the "right individuals" for your reference list. Here are a few recommended steps:
Step 1- Brainstorm and generate a list of potential individuals for your list. At this step I would suggest that you identify a minimum of 5-10 individuals. Who should be on your list? Consider professors, former customers, former managers, peers from student and professional organizations, individuals you have worked with through internships or volunteer roles and other Holt students. Once the initial list is created, review the names again and ask: "Has this person "seen me in action"? Could they effectively talk about my knowledge, skills and abilities?" If the answer is "yes" I would keep their name on the list and move to step 2. Since you will need to be ready to provide 3-4 references for each job that you apply for. If you have a potential list of 5-6 references, it will allow you to avoid "burning out your references" by rotating the names.
Step 2 - Contact via phone or email every individual on the list and ASK if they would be willing to provide a reference for you. If they agree, verify their contact information.
Step 3 - Prepare your references! Provide them a copy of your resume and let them know the types of jobs you will be seeking.
Step 4 - Remain in contact with your
references. Once you move beyond the initial interview with a company I would suggest that you loop back with your references to keep them up to date on your job search progress.
Step 5 - Take the time to say thank you via a handwritten note or a business letter. Make sure you close the loop when you accept a job. Consider sending them your new business card with a final thank you letter. Since networking is always a reciprocal relationship, make sure to let them know that you stand ready to assist them in the future.
I am going to be graduating in May and want to start my job search. A friend mentioned that I may want to take off my profile on MySpace. Is this really something that could affect my job search?
Holt Senior '07
Answer:
Depending on the personal information shared within your online profile you may want to consider "cleaning it up"or taking it off.
According to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers ( NACE) it was reported that one in 10 employers (11.1 percent) plan on reviewing profiles on social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook when considering candidates for jobs.
In addition, once the company reviews the profile information, it appears to have at least some effect on an employer's hiring decisions. NACE reported that more than 60 percent of employers who review social networking sites said the information gleaned there has at least some influence on their hiring decisions.
So, with the keen competition for jobs I would suggest that you identify and remove any obstacles that may exist. It is just not worth the risk!
Question:
I am looking for a job and need to know how to select people to be references for me?
Holt Senior '07
Answer:
Very often students neglect this very important step in their job search strategy. Before embarking on a search it is important to identify and prepare the "right individuals" for your reference list. Here are a few recommended steps:
Step 1- Brainstorm and generate a list of potential individuals for your list. At this step I would suggest that you identify a minimum of 5-10 individuals. Who should be on your list? Consider professors, former customers, former managers, peers from student and professional organizations, individuals you have worked with through internships or volunteer roles and other Holt students. Once the initial list is created, review the names again and ask: "Has this person "seen me in action"? Could they effectively talk about my knowledge, skills and abilities?" If the answer is "yes" I would keep their name on the list and move to step 2. Since you will need to be ready to provide 3-4 references for each job that you apply for. If you have a potential list of 5-6 references, it will allow you to avoid "burning out your references" by rotating the names.
Step 2 - Contact via phone or email every individual on the list and ASK if they would be willing to provide a reference for you. If they agree, verify their contact information.
Step 3 - Prepare your references! Provide them a copy of your resume and let them know the types of jobs you will be seeking.
Step 4 - Remain in contact with your
references. Once you move beyond the initial interview with a company I would suggest that you loop back with your references to keep them up to date on your job search progress.
Step 5 - Take the time to say thank you via a handwritten note or a business letter. Make sure you close the loop when you accept a job. Consider sending them your new business card with a final thank you letter. Since networking is always a reciprocal relationship, make sure to let them know that you stand ready to assist them in the future.
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