[Note: This is part two of a two-part series. In the previous post I discussed searching for job information online and curating an online resume for yourself.]
In our last Dispatch post, we looked at some common tools like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, and some of the resources available through those networks and sites. This time, we’re going to look at more specific online tools that can help you with your job search.
LinkedIn is a professional social network that allows its users to communicate about industry-specific topics and employment opportunities. Although it has fewer users than large networks like Facebook, some find its focus on job-related information to be an asset in the employment search process.
Consider a user’s “profile” on LinkedIn: it’s structured like a resume, where you can list previous experiences and useful skills that you possess. For more information about building a resume, check out our post from last year. In addition to posting a version of your resume online, you can find some valuable resources on LinkedIn through its groups.
There are groups dedicated to finding internship and careers for Penn Staters and industry specific groups, like this one for International Government Relations and Public Affairs. Find some popular groups that match your career interests and join them. You can learn a lot about the industry (which can be very helpful for interviews or cover letters) and you may find that some job postings for new graduates appear in the group from time to time.
The idea of online portfolios tracks closely with the “perpetual resume” part of our last post. The idea is similar: you want to make sure that the reasons someone should hire you are easily visible online because you never know who might be looking. An online portfolio is a way to carve out a small part of the internet just for you to post your work and accomplishments.
At Penn State, you have access to the e-Portfolios service, which can be an excellent resource (although that are other places online for e-Portfolios that you may find better suited to your needs – a Google search for “online portfolios” can give you a clearer idea of what’s out there). I think that this video makes a good case for the ways you can use the Penn State e-Portfolios.
An online portfolio is a great way to extend your resume. There’s a lot about yourself that you won’t be able to express on one sheet of paper. Putting it online (and directing potential employers to it) allows it to be available to any interested employers.
How do you feel about using LinkedIn or online portfolios? Do you use them? Post your questions or success stories in the comments below! Remember, I’m always available for questions on Twitter (@smloewner).