Have you Googled yourself recently?

Have you Googled yourself recently?

51 per cent of New Zealanders update their CV frequently but only 21 per cent also update their professional social media profiles, according to a poll conducted by recruiting experts Hays.

Hays asked over 770 New Zealanders whether they update their CV, professional social media profile or both most frequently. 51 per cent said they update their CV most frequently, while a not insignificant 28 per cent only update their professional social media profile. 21 per cent update both.

The poll was also conducted in Australia, where a total of 55 per cent of Australians update their CV frequently but only 28 per cent also update their professional social media profiles, while 17 per cent only update their professional social media profile.

“Job seekers need a dual approach to today’s jobs search,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“They need to recognise the power and relevance of social media and put your best self out there by updating your online profile as well as your CV regularly.

“But job seekers can also go too far the other way and neglect to also update their CV. LinkedIn is useful, but you need to maintain a traditional CV since it is also often your first introduction to a potential employer, who will then turn to social media to find out more.

“Think of your career brand as a puzzle. You need all the pieces to form an accurate picture for an employer of your skills, experience and suitability to a role.”

If you are one of the 51 per cent who is not regularly updating your online profile, Hays has this advice:

• Audit yourself: Take a subjective view of your current online profile by using a search engine to search your name. If you don’t like what you see, change it.

• Compare profiles: Chances are you are a member of a number of social media networks. Compare your profiles on each to ensure consistency. This includes not just consistency in employment history and job responsibilities, but profile image, tagline, your about me introduction and your tone of voice.

• Strengthen your ‘brand’: Use a professional looking head and shoulders profile picture. It humanizes you, which is important since people are unlikely to connect with an anonymous LinkedIn profile. But it also helps connections recognise you if you come across each other in real life.

• Protect your privacy: Know the privacy settings for each social channel and only allow your audience to see what you want them to see.

• Write a compelling bio: Make sure potential employers can learn from your bio what sets you apart.

• Get involved: Now you are ready to get involved in online conversations. Comment on a blog post, respond to a discussion in a LinkedIn group and share content to demonstrate your expertise. Just make sure you think before you post.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

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