Staying Current is Key to Managing a Successful Career
By Martin Buckland - Executive Career Management Professional
We’ve seen many changes over the years and those who have stayed current have managed to succeed in their careers by accepting the challenges related to seeking out new positions or industries as well as relying on transferrable skills. Staying current will assist in keeping up with trends and impress upon decision makers that you are the executive with the knowledge and resilience necessary to succeed. If you manage your career well, you’ll manage their company well.
Your name and email address usually establish the very first impression. Although it is unlikely you will change your formal name, you may need to change your email address because it will clearly indicate you are behind the times if it is a hotmail address or an AOL address. Did you know 76% of resumes are rejected for an unprofessional email address? Staggering yet so simple to rectify (see here).
Using a Hotmail or AOL email address during a 2015 job search is comparable to showing up for a job interview in a powder blue, polyester suit from the disco era! It screams old and outdated; and many online scams are initiated using a hotmail address. To avoid leaving the impression you are a dinosaur, use the following email address options:
- A Gmail address which includes your formal name, to the best of your ability/availability. A personalized address such as [email protected] is not recommended; the gold standard is a first+last name syntax: [email protected].
- Use an email address provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) such as Verizon, Comcast or Rogers. Again, your name is most appropriate such as [email protected] rather than [email protected]
- Finally, if you own a domain name and a professional site, you may choose to use the related email address. This is not recommended if the site contains content which would conflict with the position you are seeking. I highly recommended you own your own name if it is available such as: [email protected].
In addition to your name and email address, your resume must also include your LinkedIn address. If you are staying current, you have customized your LinkedIn url and eliminated the unnecessary default characters after your name. Once customized, your new url will look like this:
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mbuckland.
Being “on” LinkedIn isn’t enough; you must also have compelling profile content including a summary, current phone number and email, and achievement-based statements in the experience section (not duties and responsibilities).
And it doesn’t stop there! An online search will be done and if you are not found by an executive recruiter or HR Professional, it will appear that you have not stayed current. Google yourself right now! What page are you on? Are you easily found on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter? If you stayed current, you will have many professional online profiles and be easily found, enabling key career decision makers to quickly confirm the details provided in your resume.
Before you advance in the selection process, it’s quite possible you may be asked to participate in an initial Skype interview. Many hiring professionals are incorporating Skype into their screening process for both local and out of town candidates. It is equally important to have a professional Skype name similar to your email, domain name and LinkedIn addresses. Unsure about Skype? Read my blog on telephone and Skype interview tips.
The opportunity to be considered for a new position depends on staying current. Relying on outdated practices will only extend your job search.
Personal, professional, organizational, and corporate growth does not happen without change. By staying current those changes will be understood, easily implemented and allow you to position yourself as a viable candidate ensuring a long and successful career.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Martin Buckland, President of Elite Resumes, is a leading resume writer, career coach and job search strategist with a global clientele. Martin currently holds the following certifications: Certified Professional Branding Strategist, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Professional, Job and Career Transition Coach, Certified Job Search Trainer and Co-Pilot Executive Coach. Visit my website at http://aneliteresume.com/
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