#ResuChat Wrap-Up 8/14/12

Posted by Sudy Bharadwaj on Aug 15, 2012 in Blog, Job and Career Networking, ResuChat | 7 comments

Thanks to all those who joined us for #ResuChat with guest host Margaret Ruvoldt (@MRuvoldt) last night! If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a wrap-up of the most insightful answers on how to maintain a consistent image and network across outlets.

Remember, we have a new #Resuchat every other Tuesday featuring some of the best resume and job search advice experts on Twitter. Mark your calendars now for our next chat on Tuesday, August 28 at 8 p.m. EDT!

Q1 What information from your resume is best to highlight on your LinkedIn & Twitter bios?

@MRuvoldt I think resumes should focus on accomplishments that are tied to what you can bring to the next opportunity.

@TEAL_NOIR Focus your experience, achievements and results … going for too broad an array is confusing for the reader

@JPedde LinkedIn should be similar to your resume. Highlight your skills (to be found in search) and have a dynamic & full summary.

@JPeddeTwitter bios use bold keywords, experience – No Hashtags if you can avoid it – make it look cluttered. NO “guru” “ninja” etc

follow-up @MRuvoldt Some say twitter bio gives more room for whimsy/personality whereas LI is all business. Agree?

@WetFeet_Career Yes, not to say you can’t have some fun on Twitter, but keep it classy

@JPedde Right! And LinkedIn doesn’t have to be super dry either.

Q2: Do you use objectives on your resume? If so, what are tips on crafting great objectives?

@TEAL_NOIR Objectives makes it about you…and it is about the value you bring. Use highlights and skill set bullets.

@WetFeet_Career Use professional summaries.. what you can offer. Not what the company can offer you (objective).

@MRuvoldt Sounds like resounding “no” on objectives. Headlines and summaries are the new objectives.

Q3 How do you use LinkedIn updates & tweets to show industry expertise, knowledge or experience?

@MRuvoldt When I check out an LI profile, I want to see updates that include more than new connections and new groups.

@JPedde Rule number one: DO NOT cross pollinate! Each network is it’s own personality. No doubling up on content.

@WetFeet_Career Focus on your area of expertise/interest and tweet or update on a regular basis. Shows you stay current.

@GuyDavis02 I use LinkedIn updates to facilitate discussions in my LI groups, others bring their expertise and we all learn.

@MRuvoldt Careful about LI hyperactivity only during a job search. Alerts your employer you’re on the move. Slow and steady wins the game. 

follow-up @sarahfudin @MRuvoldt do you think less of a candidate if their LI profile is not that active? Can other assets make up for this?

@MRuvoldt @sarahfudin I don’t think less of an inactive LI profile but it is a factor. I want to see more than just a resume when I can.

follow-up @JPedde @MRuvoldt does that matter more or less for an entry level position vs a higher position of the director/vp/exec level?

@MRuvoldt Great question @JPedde: I matters less to me at Exec Level. At entry level it’s a plus to see industry interest and enthusiasm.

Q4 How do you successfully introduce yourself through LinkedIn to a professional you’d like to network with?

@JPedde For me it’s the recommendations. Having people vouch for u with awesome reviews. It’s like Yelp for professionals

@AnneMessenger Always, always warm up LinkedIn’s default language in a invitation to connect.

@nmthomsen Make a connection to something you have in common with that person, then ask for 10 mins to connect over the phone

@q5943  I look for a common ground. Alma maters are a great place to start with.

@JPedde I prefer to go through Twitter than LinkedIn b/c it’s more personal. Just ask to meet for coffee.

Q5 How do you use direct replies to build your network?

@MRuvoldt I follow up many a chat with a direct reply. The chat was the intro.

@GuyDavis02 I engage them in convo and then request to follow.

@JPedde I rarely use DMs on Twitter. Too easy to get lost in the shuffle/too hard to search for contact info. Take it all to email.

@nmthomsen I look to see who they’re following to find more great (& relevant) profiles out there in the twitterverse!

Q6 The all important professional profile picture: What qualities strike you in other people’s pictures?

@MRuvoldt A clear picture. Not cropped from something else. Fuzzy or re-purposed doesn’t show me professional/serious personal brand.

@AnneMessenger Profile pix should be close-cropped, clear headshots.

@JPedde Also, it’s about consistency. Don’t have 22 pictures for 27 networks. One picture, all networks. Easier to remember

@MRuvoldt Twitter egg as your picture means you haven’t hatched your personal brand online.

Q7 Thank you notes are a must of follow-up etiquette. What other etiquette should pros always follow as part of their brand?

@JPedde I love getting an @ mention after meeting up with someone, esp if the initial interaction was on Twitter.

@JPedde I once got a TY postcard with handmade pop up flowers on it. I still have it to this day.

@AnneMessenger Etiquette for me? Pls & thank you, quick response, acknowledgement, sharing credit – plain old nice-ness.

@MRuvoldt Recent candidate included an interesting industry article link in an email. Keep me connected.

@nmthomsen Follow up etiquette starts with setting expectations- find out when you can expect to hear back, then follow through

What great conversation! For updates on our #ResuChat and other great job search advice year-round, follow @JackalopeJobs on Twitter!