Online Preparations for your Job Interview

Preparing for your interview starts long before you put on your navy blue suit and drive to the company to nervously meet with the hiring manager. To make the best first impression, start before the first impression even happens. Today’s social media rich world can give job seekers an advantage if they learn how to use these tools properly. Here are several ways to use the Internet to prepare for your interview.

  • Google yourself. Knowing what is connected to your name on the Internet is the only way you can be prepared for questions that might be directed at those online items. More and more employers are Googling candidates before meeting with them and, even though the legality of this practice is being debated among HR professionals, you need to be expecting it. Once something is online it is there forever so get a handle on the information. You can even set up a Google Alert to be notified of any new mentions of your name.
  • Build a Buzz. If you don’t have much of anything online, or what you find is not what you want employers to see, you need to start building your own internet buzz. The first and easiest step is to start a LinkedIn account and make it 100% complete. You may also wish to create a blog so you can share your expertise with the world. Having a positive Internet presence will help boost these searches of your name and the best examples will be the first results.
  • Be professional. Many people will keep a personal profile on the Internet to connect with friends and family. Facebook is the easiest for this because it can be set as private. On the other hand, your public persona needs to be as professional as possible. Get involved in professional forums. Comment on blogs that relate to your field. Most importantly, use proper grammar and punctuation. Employers want to see that you can write effectively.
  • Use social networking to network. When you are using Facebook, connect to companies you are interested in working for. Become engaged in professional conversation. Learn about the community and company and important players. This will give you an advantage when you land that interview.

Looking for a company that understands how social media works in your job search? Contact CornerStone Staffing today!

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