This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Emily Rushton, division director of the placement firm Accountemps in Salt Lake City, says that as new graduates prepare to enter the work world, they should pay as much attention to technology etiquette as they do promoting their mastery of technology.
How can graduates use technology and social media to help their career prospects?
Although the résumé continues to be an important job-hunting tool, professionals also should create online profiles that highlight their expertise and qualifications. First, show your star qualities. Provide employers with a clear sense of your capabilities by posting information about your work history and highlighting key accomplishments on sites such as LinkedIn. Sharing your personal interests and hobbies on Facebook also can help people relate to you more easily. Incorporate key industry terms to describe your skills, specialties and positions of interest so hiring managers can more easily find you online. Also, make the right connections. Join LinkedIn groups to show interest in your industry. Regularly update your profile and be active professionally. Post useful advice or comment on articles on LinkedIn and industry forums. And, consider starting a blog, outlining trends and articles of value in an industry of interest. Be sure to keep it current and professional.
What are some common mistakes graduates make when launching a career?
Thinking small • Spread the word about your job hunt to everyone you know. Take advantage of professional networking websites and work with staffing firms that specialize in your field.
Adopting a one-size-fits-all approach • Tailor each résumé and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter.
Failing to proofread • Make sure your résumé and cover letter are error free. Be vigilant about spelling, grammar and punctuation in all written communication.
Posting indiscriminately • Don't post anything that would appear unprofessional for a hiring manager or recruiter.
Leaving a bad first impression • Make sure your voice-mail greetings are clear, professional and succinct. Also, avoid using off-color or overly cute email addresses.
Failing to thank others • Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in your job search. Be sure to send thank-you notes to every hiring manager you meet.
Give some tips on how job seekers can overcome etiquette faux pas.
Employers often turn to the Web for information about job applicants. Polish and protect your reputation by using a combination of good judgment, adequate privacy settings and the delete button. Remove indiscriminate photos and questionable content from social media sites, blogs and chat. Think strategically about what you share, post and tweet going forward. Build your online presence. Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn provide space to summarize who you are and what you're looking for in a job or career. An incomplete profile is a missed opportunity. Remember, hot job prospects can cool quickly if your message is littered with typos or texting shorthand. Networking sites make it easy to reach out for job leads, introductions, recommendations and general career assistance. That said, you won't get far if you inundate contacts with requests but rarely return the favor. Be gracious when asking for help, offer prompt appreciation and look for ways to reciprocate. Paying it forward is a great way to build professional good will.
Dawn House
Twitter: DawnHouseTrib Emily Rushton, executive