As the Mother of a college junior who will soon be stepping into the world of full-time employment, one of my biggest concerns is how is is presenting himself to potential future employers. Did he iron his suit for the interview? (probably not knowing my son) Does he have a well crafted impressive resume? Does his online/social media presence project a positive image? The last question is very important. In today’s job market, recruiters are looking at a candidate’s online presence. All they have to do is Google his name. Pretty much everything he has ever done on the internet will be at their fingertips. Then, analyzed to see if he is the right or the “we can see your fraternity shenanigans” wrong person for the job.
One of the best ways for him to maintain a positive social presence is to follow the “you are what you tweet, post, snap, and instagram” rule….if it’s not something he wants Mom to see ( I will find out anyway 🙂 ) then it’s definitely not something a potential employer should see either. I recently found out about another way my son can project a favorable image of himself online while making himself stand out among the field of other applicants…..by creating his own personal website. A personal website will allow him to control his online image and craft it in a way that highlights his character, education, and other strengths.
Why a Personal Website?
Domain.ME recently conducted an extensive study of over 300 Human Resource professionals and found out some very interesting and important facts that college aged children and their parents should consider:
- 67% of HR professionals surveyed claim that a personal website provides more insight than a resume alone.
- 59% of HR professionals believe that personal websites provide a dynamic representation of personal and professional qualifications
- For 55% HR professionals personal website increases their interest in learning more about the candidate.
- When it comes to Social Media for screening candidates, HR professionals rely mostly on LinkedIn.
These are just a few of the eye-opening facts included in the US Survey: HR Professionals’ Recruiting Habits & Trends ebook. I wish I had known about the importance of him having this type of personal branding last Spring while he was interviewing for Summer internships. Although he was able to land a job, it wasn’t for any of the internships that he was seeking. If he had created a personal website prior to applying for them, I believe he would have had an advantage over the other applicants for those positions. I had the chance to read the entire study. As a result will be making sure my son gets his own personal website. The job market is competitive! A personal website could be the edge needed to shine a spotlight on him.
If you’re interested in finding out more information you can download Domain.me’s free ebook. You’ll find out what HR professionals say about:
- What impacted HR industry the most in the last five years – and how does that impact you.
- Which type of online content is most likely to enhance your job candidacy, and which can eliminate you from consideration.
- What having a personal website means for you as a potential candidate.
Like all parents, I want the best for my children. I do my best to provide them with guidance and the tools to help them be successful in whatever career/path they wish to pursue. Any help in showing the world how amazing they are is more than welcome. Thanks for the info Domain.me!
(Had to throw the above picture in here…..that’s my college junior on the right….and how I’ll always see him on the left…. 🙂 )
***This post was inspired and sponsored by Domain.ME , the provider of the personal URL’S that end in .ME. As a company, they aim to promote leadership to the tech world. All thought and opinions are my own.***
31 comments
I find it ironic that when I began using the internet in the early 90’s that nobody wanted their real names out there, and now everybody is branding themselves with their own names.
This is new to me, hadn’t heard of having your own website in addition to a resume like this. It makes sense though!
Standing out can be so hard when so many others are doing the same thing. All advice is def. welcome in such an area.
This is the first time I heard about Domain.me. I think this is going to be very helpful to those who are seeking for a job.
Awesome, will download the E-Book
What a great idea. I should use this since I am right now looking for a job.
You’re right, in this day and age, there’s pretty much nothing that we can hide from employers. Once it goes to the internet, it’s there forever. This Domain.Me sounds like a good deal, my daughters could also use this for their employment.
I have been on the panel end of the hiring committees and we love personal websites!
Excellent advice-anything folks can do to stand out especially when it shows they are tech savvy will help them in today’s job market!
Getting a job is so hard these days! I love this resource to really stand out!
Been seeing a lot of this lately – suggestion that job seekers should have their own site and it does make a lot of sense, given where the world is going. Great post.
Love this new trend of personal websites instead of resumes. You can certainly share way more about yourself in a creative way on a website.
Internet presence means a lot right now! I think searching the internet for your name is one of the first things employers do.
I definitely agree that in these times we all need a personal website. Resumes are so static and outdated .. a website will show employers a real personality
Now this is the perfect tool! I know a few kids that are just getting ready to finish school so I will pass this on to them. Gone are the days of the old resume… to which I am thankful! So hard to remember everything don’t you think!
What a cool service to get a presence on the net. Seems straight forward to use so easy for anyone.
What a great concept for both individuals and folks who have created small businesses.
Such important information! Be seen! Be heard! Great service for young people entering the college and job and intern market!
I have never heard of this before. Sounds great for bloggers and other businesses.
It’s great for college graduates entering the job market too!
What a great way to get notice and to get future employers to notice you.
Aw! What a handsome boy! My son is three and I swear I’ll always see him that way.
This is interesting and I don’t believe it’s too early to think about social presence of our kids.
Thank you!! It’s hard to believe he is a young adult now! Kids today have to worry about everything they put out on Social Media, I think this is such a great way to control your online image.
My stepson is currently job hunting and fresh out of school. I think this would be a great idea for him to do. I’m definitely going to mention it to him!
I just bought my name in .net. I never thought of .me but I will consider it next time.
I still can’t get over how times have changed. From social media presence to kids getting their own website. Design, influence is key and it is a great way to get noticed. My kids are still quite young. I can only imagine what it’ll be like in 15 years!
Exactly!! Everything you do online is available for anyone to see. Kids have to be so careful!
This is so interesting to me! I had never thought about a personal website in addition to a resume! I image it really does up game when completing in the job market!
Having a personal website does make you seem more professional to HR managers. I should know! I was one for 13 years. 🙂
what a great idea for both individuals as small home businesses
I think this is a great idea. Someday everyone will have their own websites.
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