Author: Lavie Margolin, Career Coach
Have you ever thought of “The Professional You?” When we want to maintain a professional impression, it is important that everything that we do carries a professional theme. You may make a great impression on the day of the interview but it does not end there. Think of your job search as an overall advertising/marketing campaign.
Here are some examples:
1) Your Phone: Do you have an answering machine/voicemail where someone can leave a message? Does your phone message have a recording of your name and a request to leave detailed contact information so that you may get back to that person? If someone else is answering the phone for you, can they take a detailed message?
2) Your Email Address: The email address that you use for your job search should be one that is a simple permutation of your name, ex: firstname.lastname@mail.com and not something that reveals your interests (rockstarfan@mail.com) or controversial political leanings.
3) Your Facebook Page: Does your Facebook accounts reveal more information about then you would like? Of course these sites are set up for socializing so one is not expected to wear a business suit in every picture but is there something on there that may hurt your chances to find a job in the corporate world?
4) What does a Google search reveal about you? Are you posting on any message boards that may lead to controversy? Anything being posted about your past that may be of concern to employers?
When you are in a job search (and for the balance of your career), everything that is a reflection of you should be something that helps, and not hurts, your job prospects.
About the Author: Lavie Margolin is a New York-based Career Coach and the author of Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers. To learn more, go to Lavie’s website, Lion Cub Job Search:www.Lioncubjobsearch.com