You already know that if you want to get a job in 2014, you’re going to need more than a resume. For today’s employers, the resume is just the starting point. From there, they move on to Google and social media and what they see there will play just as big a role (if not a bigger role) in whether or not you are hired. Why not, instead of worrying about what they might find, use it to your advantage?Related:5 Reasons Why You Need More Than A Resume
Essentially, pretend that instead of one person begging to be part of a larger machine, you’re a business and you’re trying to build relationships with other businesses. How do you do that?
This type of approach is normally focused reserved for B2B marketing efforts... but as you are going to find, it’s not just for companies. You can apply the same strategies to yourself. Skeptical? Just look at the way businesses use social media—Google+ in particular—to sell to other businesses.
Social media has laid a fertile ground for B2B content marketers and job seekers. Whether it’s an Instagram image, a six second vine video or a brand blurb – there’s no doubt that the availability of social platforms has enabled companies to reach masses quickly and effectively.
LinkedIn has been the Holy Grail of B2B marketing and job hunting during the last few years, but Google+ is the emerging atomic particle in this arena.
A B2B marketing survey conducted in Q2 2013 revealed that 9% of B2B marketers considered Google+ effective for social media marketing at that time, but 29% considered it more important in the next 12 months. The researchers responsible for the survey highlighted the growing interest as a part of the shift towards content-specific platforms.
WordStream’s B2B content marketing facts published a few weeks before the start of 2014 also mentioned Google+ as the second most used social media platform by B2B marketers. More specifically, 55% were using Google+ according to the source, only behind YouTube (73%) and LinkedIn (91%).
That’s right: Google+ serves your career prospects almost as faithfully as LinkedIn. If you didn’t put a link to your profile on your resume, now’s the time to add it!
It’s not rocket science – all of these reports basically point out that Google+ will continue to grow in importance, and job hunters adapting today will enjoy a better tomorrow… or in worst cases, end up increasing the search rank of their client websites.
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Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
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