It Is Still About Who You Know...

Referrals are the #1 source of hires in corporate America. Moreover, research reveals that referral hires have higher retention rates and perform better. Indeed, they are the most cost effective source of hires.

LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are a good start. Search for the company you're interested in. You'll see a list of contacts in your network who may be able to help.

Always Always ask in writing.

Asking someone, “can you refer me?" Comes across …a little too strong.

Try something on the lines of do you know my work well enough to refer me for a job at your company?

Stay active (professionally) on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. This may draw good attention to you and you may impress professionals who can pass your name along to company decision makers.

5 Quick Safety Tips for Online Job Hunting

1. First things first, you need to ensure your internet is secure. The link of the site you are using should start with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS is the protocol that safely request information between servers and browsers.
   
2. When invited for an online submission …be leery.For instance, “Dear Yvonne we saw your resume online and your skills are a perfect match for our company”…Ask yourself did you send that company a resume?
3. Never send a company personal information online, for instance gender, race, and credit score.
4. Approach ads for easy money and little work with doubt…these are probably scammers!
5. You can trust the big search sites like CareerBuilder, Monster, Indeed.

Increasing Your Job Prospects

A few weeks ago, I described the importance of having an online portfolio or website to showcase your accomplishments and professional experience. You will be most prominent and impressive when employers can easily find your relevant information online.

That aside, how else can we increase our visibility online?

One way is to create a blog. This will help you stand out as an opinion leader and expert.  Another way is to create a professional video where you are seen giving a presentation.

Who would you hire...a job applicant with a blog/ YouTube presentation or the one who lacks one?

It is equally valuable to join focus groups or alumni organizations so as to increase your searchability.

Lastly, creating an account on social media sites will increase exposure and attract recruiters. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are recommended. 

Hunting for a Job?

Job search apps can help you manage your job search. It may also make it a little smoother and easier.

Some Apps I would recommend are:

-LinkedIn Mobile

-Indeed.com

-SnagAjob.com

-Monster Jobs

-JibberJobber

-CareerBuilder Jobs

-Craigslist

Some of these apps also include job interview tips.

Please share which apps you have found to be valuable in your job search?

Online Portfolios…Not Only For Artists, But For MBA’s Too!

According to Eilene Zimmerman, Newyork Times, the very first thing a recruiter does after receiving a worthwhile application is to search for the person on Google. With that in mind, creating your online portfolio gives you some control over what is found.(http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/jobs/an-online-portfolio-can-showcase-your-work-career-couch.html)

So have you ever considered developing your very own MBA Online Portfolio? You can create a website with several web pages  outlining your: key courses, accomplishments, skills, resume, short term goals, long-term goals etc. You can use your portfolio to manage both your professional assets and showcase your potential. Even more, it will bring clarity to the direction that your career is moving towards. Please view site below:
http://www.opresume.com/CourtneyEpps/about 

Another option is to add one through your LinkedIn pages--- search for Creative Portfolio Display, an app that will allow you to sync your portfolio onto LinkedIn.
http://www.linkedin.com/opensocialInstallation/preview?_applicationId=104096&_ch_panel_id=1

Other than LinkedIn, there are other free options like Pinterest and Tumblr.For other professional portfolio examples, visit sites below:
http://www.marketingandmore.net/http://kevinbraidy.com/Home.htmlhttp://www.opresume.com/clintonschewe/abouthttp://www.opresume.com/CourtneyEpps/abouthttp://www.blueskyportfolios.com/executive1/orhttp://www.blueskyportfolios.com/executive6/index.html

Information technology has revolutionized the way people look for jobs.

Need help with Job-hunting? or maybe writing a resume or a cover letter? ...lets visit the Net.Who even looks at resumes anymore? isn't it just straight to your social networking site---Linkedin.The internet is our resume. The net has revolutionized job hunting! Although most job openings are not advertised ...if they should be advertised ...you will probably find the job listed online. Online resources and online job search tools are a major way that people today find jobs. Likewise recruiters find the best candidates online. Sites like www.careerbuilder.com,  www.indeed.com and www.craigslist.org are popular options for recruiters. Meanwhile www.glassdoor.com is the site I browse to get a feel of the company's culture and the pay I should expect. As well as www.salary.com. On the interview, thanks to information technology, a candidate can now research the company online and make a good first impression.