Beyond the resume and typical job search materials, I believe using social media tools can really help build a career changerâ€s bridge to a new occupation or vocation. In my book, Social Networking for Career Success, I explain how social media may help career changers who naturally have a difficult time proving they have what they need to succeed in the next job: How? It solves several problems:

• It allows you to extend your network to meet people you otherwise would never encounter. Statistics show how important introductions and “warm leads” are to job seekers. Companies value referrals from within their organizations, and meeting new people you would not otherwise know via online interactions provides more potential for referrals. (Moving those social networking interactions to in-person or telephone conversations is a good next step.)
• You have easy access to information and resources about your targeted profession. I like to think of social networks as offering a constant opportunity to learn what people in the field and thinking, saying, writing and sharing. Twitter is particularly useful in this regard. In the book, I describe how itâ€s possible to follow content from conferences you donâ€t attend in person via hashtags, and share tips from Mark Stelzner, of Inflexion Advisors, for live tweeting a conference. If you find and follow people like Mark in your field, you may be able to grasp the key problems your new targeted industry is grappling with, without leaving your home and without spending a dime! (I elaborate on all the details in the book for HOW to find and follow the right community online.)
• Social media allows you to demonstrate your newfound expertise, engage in your targeted community, and make a name for yourself in your new industry. Social media canâ€t MAKE you an expert, but if you have what it takes to excel in your new field, you should be able to demonstrate it online. Show that you know whatâ€s going on, suggest solutions based on your expertise in other industries or fields and be someone who contributes to the conversation in your targeted field.
• Your lack of actual experience in the field may become less important once potential colleagues view you as an active contributor. If youâ€re good at sharing what you learn and know, the connections you gain and their willingness to promote you as a contributor will outweigh your actual lack of industry, paid work experience as a factor. (It wonâ€t totally erase it, but it goes a long way to helping you get where you want to go.)
• Being familiar with social media tools may be just the unique skill you need to help you land a job. Social media isnâ€t going away. Having an online profile, a Twitter feed and/or using LinkedIn to connect with prospective colleagues helps show you are staying ahead of the curve regarding technology. In and of itself, that may help you exceed another qualified candidateâ€s credentials.

Don’t let the competitive market discourage you from making a change. Dive into social media — I hope you’ll take a look at my book to teach you how to get on the right path — and you may be surprised by the results! Be sure to learn more about my book, Social Networking for Career Success, as I teach you how to use all the social networks you know about — and some you haven’t even considered — and Amazon has it for a great price!

The post Career change: social media can help appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Stop adding your local address to your resume. It’s not unheard of, in today’s era of privacy concerns, for people to omit their physical addresses from their resumes in favor of an email and phone number only. You don’t necessarily need people to see “Omaha” glaring at them on the resume when you want to work in Boston.

Get a “local” phone number. It’s easier than you think — just sign up for Google Voice, which is a free service from Google. You can access Google Voice directly from your Gmail account. Choose a number local to your target city, and have the calls forwarded directly to whatever number or numbers you normally answer.

Identify organizations and companies that interest you in your target location. Narrow down your focus as much as you can, since you’ll need to concentrate your efforts. Once you choose three to five companies of interest, start searching your networks to see if you know anyone who works there. (Remember, don’t discount the parts of your networks NOT in your target city…In today’s highly connected world, it’s very likely your contacts at one end of the country know people who may be able to help in a different part of the country.)

Work your networks to make in-roads at those organizations:

• LinkedIn — Use the “advanced” search feature on LinkedIn. Select it from the top, right toolbar and limit your search to the companies on your list. You may be surprised to find contacts in your network who work there or know someone who does.
• Facebook — Consider signing up for BeKnown or BranchOut, two applications that help you create a professional network among your Facebook friends. Tap into Glassdoor.com’s new tool, Inside Connections, to leverage your Facebook friend network and uncover whom you might know at various companies.
• Twitter — There are many tools to help you identify tweeters at target companies. Search Followerwonk.com (which searches Twitter bios — people often list where they work in their bios) or  TwellowHood (a local directory of Twitter users from  Twellow). Also, check out TwitterLocal for a more geographical spin to Twitter search.

Plan a trip to attend an event. Consider checking out Twtvite to see if there are any “tweetups” (in-person meetups) in your target area. Plan a trip around a big event! Other, Twitter-based tools to find events include Twitter Search (search for the word “tweetup” and target results to your targeted city). Use LinkedIn’s “Events” application to identify meetings and programs in your goal city. Even if you can’t attend those events, you can identify leaders in your field who live where you want to move. Once you notice the movers and shakers — start networking your way to those people; they probably know a lot of great contacts.

Find organizations and associations in your target location. Job-Hunt.org has a terrific directory of professional associations and societies. Find groups in your target city and identify ways to be active from afar. Learn about their events and try to plan a trip to attend one if possible. Note the leadership team and make an effort to network with them.

It’s not impossible to successfully land an out-of-town job, but it is a challenge. Give yourself every advantage by making full use of social media tools. Not using Twitter? Don’t recognize these features on LinkedIn and Facebook? Learn more about how social media can fuel your job search by reading my book, Social Networking for Career Success.

photo by jystewart

The post 6 tips to land a job long distance appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Another important tip? Use your time well if you are not currently working. Itâ€s easy to let hours, days and weeks pass by before setting up a strategy that will help you succeed in your  hunt.

Iâ€ve already shared great reasons to volunteer if you have some free time. Here are a few additional tips to consider if youâ€re not quite sure what to do with your time.

If you havenâ€t started, dive into social media and Web 2.0 applications! Yes, this can take some time if you are going to do it full force. But, you have time, so go for it! Start searching for blogs in your niche. Guy Kawasakiâ€s Alltop list is a perfect place to find blogs in an array of topics, but you can certainly use Google to find current information in your field of interest. Spend some time researching and exploring. See if you can identify the stars in your field. Use online mechanisms to connect to them!

How? Post smart comments on their blogs. See if they use Twitter and follow them. (Read more of my suggestions about using Twitter for the job hunt HERE or check out my book, Social Networking for Career Success. (You can even get in on Kindle for a great price on Amazon.) Make sure you are using LinkedIn effectively. You may be amazed at  how quickly you can connect and “befriend” people online. (Learn more about my book and my Google+ Guide!)

Consider authoring a blog. If you are a strong writer, there isnâ€t a better way to influence your Google rankings and demonstrate authority in your subject matter. If you have the time, why not try? You have nothing to lose. (If you want to learn more about what you’d put on your own website/social resume, but sure to check out my site. I can even help you get into your own site if you’re not technically inclined.)

Stop and think about what you really want to do. Use your time to assess yourself, your goals and plans for the future. How often are we forced to take a moment to really think about the future. This is your chance. Do you like the way your life is going? Are you happy with your path? If not, consider a coach to help you figure out a new direction.

Learn a new skill. Have you been thinking about taking a class in something that will help you with your job? Maybe youâ€ve always wanted to learn how to knit? This is a good time. Doing something new and learning a new skill is good for your attitude and will help you in multiple ways.

There is so much information and opportunities to learn new things online for free. High-profile and talented people are offering free teleclasses, webinars and seminars all of the time. If you plug in, youâ€ll learn about these opportunities and benefit from them. Take advantage of your public library as a resource for information. Check in with the librarian for information you might be missing!

Donâ€t wait until you have an interview scheduled to prepare for the interview! Do you know what youâ€ll wear to an interview? Does it fit? Is it clean and pressed? How about your shoes? Do they pass muster? Dont†wait until youâ€ve been searching for two months and get a call for an interview tomorrow to look in your closet!

Once you have an outfit ready, start planning and practicing what you will say in an interview, in a networking situation…Use your time to get ready. I work with clients on mock interviews, so you will really know what skills you can improve. If you are prepared, when you start pulling in opportunities, you wonâ€t panic!

Of course, much of your “free” time will be taken up with job hunting. Donâ€t forget, many of the activities listed above are part of your job hunt. I would be remiss if I didnâ€t specifically mention that networking (in person and online) is key – spend more time doing this than searching for online postings. Make sure your resume and materials are top-notch and use your time to prep for everything you will need.

What ideas do you have?

photo by Earls37a

The post How to use your time in a job hunt appeared first on Keppie Careers.

OLD RESUME

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

Managing Web Editor, XYZ Company
New York, NY  March 2008 – Present

-Manage high-traffic Web site for 1.5-million member organization.

-Edit and write content for Web magazine, marketing materials and internal memos and reports.

-Project manager for Web site overhaul. This includes planning and testing design, navigation and developing streamlined functionality to stimulate e-commerce activities.

How could this description be improved?

• Underlines look dated. Usually, you’ll only include months in the date section if the experience was one year or less.
• Bullet points shouldnâ€t just list WHAT you did, but focus on HOW you did it so it relates to the employer. Decide what they need you to do and show that on your resume. Ask yourself, “SO WHAT?” for every bullet point and provide an answer in your resume. Incorporate skills and accomplishments when giving the answer.
• Be sure all bullets are consistent – parallel tense. Begin each with a verb: manage, edit and “project manager” donâ€t match.
• Donâ€t make your resume a laundry list of “stuff” youâ€ve done.

NEW RESUME

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

Managing Web Editor, XYZ Company  New York, NY   2008 – Present

• Analyzed site traffic using Google Analytics, Lyris HQ Agency Edition and SiteCatalyst. Identified strategic patterns, trends and popular content and recommended changes to site, resulting in 17% increase in page views in only three months.
• Supervised siteâ€s overhaul in compliance with companyâ€s goals. Conducted needs assessment, identified market opportunities and planned and tested design, which stimulated e-commerce and increased profitability from $15M to $20M in 2010.
• Authored content for Web and email newsletters and created and recorded podcasts highlighting organizationâ€s mission. Management attributed increased membership rates to high-quality online and audio content.

What is better about this description?

• Decide if your title or the organization name is more important. In this case, the resume focuses the reader on job titles. Be consistent across the entire resume.
• Incorporate details important to the employer. Use key words (for example, the names of the programs to analyze site traffic).
• Show your impact – use $ amounts, %ages and other numbers when possible. (These answer the question, “So what?”)

photo by y-a-n

Stay tuned for another post with resume tips!

The post Improve your resume by asking yourself, “So what?” appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Review these suggestions to see if there are any changes you may want to incorporate in your resume.

OLD HEADER

Jill Jack
123 Main Street – New York, NY – 212-555-0000 – Jill.Jack@hotmail.com

Objective

Innovative, highly motivated, dynamic team player with extensive experience, stellar writing skills and the ability to effectively manage concurrent projects seeks opportunity to contribute in Fortune 500 Company.

What’s wrong with this header?

Jill Jack
123 Main St. – New York, NY –  212.555.0000 – JillJack@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/JillJack – @JillJack – gplus.to/JillJack – JillJack.com

Multimedia Manager — Communications Strategist — Content Developer
Market savvy, writer/editor experienced in producing profitableonline, video and ezine content.

“Jill combines a flair for the creative, an intuitive understanding of market trends and consumer needs with her unbeatable technical, writing, editing and management skills. Iâ€ve never known anyone who can evaluate the landscape, design a strategy and execute on plans as well as Jill.”
– Peter Pan, Overseeing Editor, XYX Company (View this and other endorsements via LinkedIn)

What’s better about this header?

• It incorporates social media URLs – indicating this person is involved online and up-to-date. By inviting the reader to review her Twitter stream and LinkedIn profile for additional information, it’s clear (no matter how old this job seeker may be), the candidate is an early adopter (showing a Google+ account) and clearly willing to learn new things. Only showcase these URLs if you are using social media professionally. However, don’t assume no one will find your Twitter and other social media outlets.
• Notice this resume includes a link to the job seeker’s personal website/social resume. Having this online portfolio really demonstrates she is using technology and is up-to-date.
• This header uses important resume “real estate” at the top of the document to hone in on important points: job titles and key skills. It avoids “empty” words that donâ€t describe a connection between the candidate and the job. Itâ€s important to select KEY words from job descriptions, company websites and LinkedIn profiles from others in your industry.
• It includes a recommendation from someone found on LinkedIn. This is a great way to help tell your story and to prove your qualifications from an outside perspective.

Watch the video here:

Stay tuned for more tips to help you evaluate and improve your resume!

photo by cobalt123

The post Improve your resume using these tips appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Last week, I joined CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield on the air to share some tips with job seekers. (Stay tuned for a link to the segment.)

Here are some tips to help you change directions if things aren’t going well.

Biggest job seeker mistakes:

• Using the same resume to apply for every job and not personalizing it for employers†needs. You need to spoon feed your resume to the employer. If you aren’t customizing it, you’re doing the equivalent of feeding a toothless infant a whole apple — she’ll likely use it to play a game of “drop and get.” Ideally, you’ll offer applesauce to a baby, and a resume detailing what you can do to solve the employer’s problems.
• Applying for the wrong jobs. It’s tempting to apply for “just any job.” After all, YOU know you can do anything, right? It’s possible you can, but writing to an employer with a broad statement offering to be interviewed for “any” job is a recipe for disaster. The employer doesn’t know what to do with you and thinks you are desperate. In other words, you don’t hear back.
• Ignoring social media resources or assuming they wonâ€t make a difference. How many job seekers have been looking for work for over a year, but have never even tried using LinkedIn, Twitter or even Facebook to see how social media may help get them out of their job hunting rut? Too many, in my opinion. Using social media well is a big step in the right direction.

How to best use social media

• Choose the best networks for you – the ones that highlight and show off your skills. For example, if you love to write (and you’re a good writer), a blog might be great for you. If youâ€re a better talker, consider creating an online radio program. I outline many different social networks in my book, Social Networking for Career Success.
• Completely fill out your profiles using key words – the words people will use to find someone who does your type of work. It’s important to do this well so it’s easier for people who may want to hire someone with your skills to find you.
• Find people online in your field of work. Use the various search tools in the different networks to identify potential contacts. For example, in LinkedIn, use “advanced search” to locate contacts and join groups pertaining to your interests. Use Listorious.com and WeFollow.com to find people with common interests using Twitter. See what they are saying online, respond, add to the conversation. Try to become known as a person who is “in the know,” is friendly and giving. Do not ask for job leads until you establish a relationship. You may be surprised by how generous your new online contacts are!

In my next post, I share “before” and “after” resume samples and provide specific tips to help update your resume.

The post Overcome job search frustration by making some changes in your job hunting routine appeared first on Keppie Careers.

It made me think about how important it is to identify and focus on a unique value proposition — for people seeking business from tourists in New York City and job seekers trying to differentiate themselves in a crowded job market.

Walking along Central Park West, I saw one horse-and-buggy driver who would have earned my business if I were planning to take a tour of the park. He let me take his picture (displayed here), but I noticed he wasn’t sitting at the curb for long — he was soon galloping around the park with customers in tow. What was different about him? As you can see from the photo, he went the extra mile in terms of his attire and that of his horse. Most of the drivers were dressed casually, almost sloppily in comparison to this one proprietor. Despite the heat, he went the extra mile to “dress up” his horse with a festive feather, matching his own purple vest. A top hat was the perfect addition to his look.

Finally, his carriage was special and a bit unique compared to the other horse drivers. I envision tourists considering their photo opportunities. A tour is an investment; why wouldn’t customers want the most for their money? If they assume most of the drivers are capable of providing a safe ride and basic, useful information, choosing a carriage clearly depends on aesthetic considerations, and this driver made the most of that fact.

This month, the Career Collective (a community I co-coordinate with my colleague Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter) addresses the question of the mid-year job-search check-up. There’s nothing more important than knowing what makes you special when you’re looking for a job. If you haven’t already spent time thinking about this important topic, the mid-year point is a good time to re-evaluate (Please click through to the links at the end of this post to my colleagues’ ideas about the topic.)

Obviously, for the job seeker, neither attire (nor a top hat!) are necessarily distinguishing factors. (Although, make no mistake, how you dress can and does make a big difference in how you may be perceived.)

Aside from aesthetic features, what can a job hunter do to help him- or herself stand out?

Discover Your Hook

What is special about you? What skills and accomplishments set you apart from every other person in the room? In your industry? It’s not easy to determine what makes you special and unique, but it’s important to think about it if you’re going to market yourself. Think about your work. What do you accomplish better than anyone else? (Or, better than most people?) Have you been able to solve a problem and come up with solutions no one else could? Think about the results you create; how do you make a difference?

If you don’t know what makes you stand out from the crowd, it will be difficult to convince anyone else why they should hire you.

Context of Your Target Audience

Once you begin to focus on what makes you special and unique, don’t forget to consider how you fit into your target employer.

You will find out the employerâ€s needs via research, informational meetings and networking. Don’t forget to investigate industry conferences. Many post their speaker programs online, so even if it is not feasible for you to attend, it’s easy to learn your field’s major pain points. How do your skills and accomplishments help address the topics top-of-mind to people in your field?

Can you help the organization:

• Earn more money?
• Handle their work more efficiently — saving money?
• Attract more customers?
• Solve some problem?
• Create a new product or service?

Focus on the target audience’s needs – not on what YOU want

Think about it…If someone approaches you and starts talking about themselves and what they want, how closely will you listen? Statistics demonstrate that people donâ€t typically have very long attention spans to listen to other people talk.

Now, think about talking to someone who focuses on YOUR needs. A little more interested? I bet you are! Who doesnâ€t want to hear someone describe how he or she solves your problems!

The lesson for job seekers: when you identify your unique value proposition, be sure it isn’t all about YOU!

Big brands like Disney decide what they offer before they create and place their advertisements.  When they want to advertise Disney World, they appeal to families and parents†need for an affordable, yet magical vacation.  Their brand is all about magic and family fun.  Their television ads appear on shows with a high viewership of people Disney targets.

If Disney didnâ€t consider what they offer, they wouldnâ€t be able to target their marketing.  By defining themselves and what problem they solve, they can offer a hook (an affordable family vacation).

What is brand YOU all about?  What makes you special and unique?  Think about what you offer an employer.  Consider your top five work and personal accomplishments.  Write them down and think them over.

Marketing Brand YOU

It’s great to know your value proposition, but if no one has heard of you, it won’t do you much good!

Make sure you put together a 360-degree marketing plan, including a high-quality resume detailing exactly how you are a good match for the position. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with keywords and a story that makes people want to learn more about you.

Consider creating an online profile, or a social resume — YourName.com — to showcase your expertise and value. The site may include a blog focusing on your insights and accomplishments, or it may simply serve to help you own your name online and give you the opportunity to highlight what you want people to know about you if they search for you online.

Create a Google Profile. This has always been a good idea, but with the introduction of Google+, it is even more important, since Google+ draws on your profile information. (I haven’t had a chance to write about Google+, but it is a new social network combining elements similar to Facebook, Twitter and several other networks. Learn about it HERE. It’s still new, and not available to everyone, yet. The jury is still out regarding how useful it will be for job seekers, as right now, only early adopters have jumped on. Stay tuned for more information about Google+, but create a Google Profile even if you never plan to use the new social network.

Evaluate your Twitter and Facebook presence. Are you using them to your advantage? I could write a book about how to make these networks work for you…In fact, I did!

My book describes how to use social media tools (including Twitter and Facebook). The basics:

• Be sure your profiles are suitable for anyone to view and represent the best, professional YOU.
• Don’t waste the opportunity to connect with new potential colleagues.
• Learn what you can via social media channels about what is happening in your field or industry Following Twitter hashtags during conferences is a great way to accomplish this.
• Share what you know online to demonstrate your expertise and attract people to YOU.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, landing a job is a lot harder than donning a top hat and a purple vest, but with some planning and a real focus on what you have to offer your target audience, your mid-year career check-up couldn’t come soon enough. Let me know if I can help.

Here are links to Career Collective member responses!

4 Summer Strategies to Step Up Your Job Search, @DebraWheatman

Putting Your Job Search Up On The Rack For Inspection, @dawnrasmussen

Mid-Year Job Search Checkup: Are you wasting your time? @GayleHoward

It is Time for Your Check-up Ms/Mr Jobseeker, @careersherpa

Mid-Year Career Checkup: Are You “On Your Game?” @KatCareerGal

How to Perform a Mid-Year Job Search Checkup, @heatherhuhman

Reposition your job search for success, @LaurieBerenson

Mid-Year Job Search Checkup: What’s working and What’s not? @erinkennedycprw

Mid-Year Job Search Check-Up: Getting Un-Stuck, @JobHuntOrg

Mid-Year Check Up: The Full 360, @WalterAkana

5 Tips for Fighting Summer Job Search Blues, @KCCareerCoach

Are you positive about your job search? @DawnBugni, #CareerCollective

Where Are The Jobs? @MartinBuckland, @EliteResumes

Mid-Year Job-Search Checkup: Get Your Juices Flowing, @ValueIntoWords

When Was Your Last Career & Job Search Check Up? @expatcoachmegan

Is Summer A Job Search Momentum Killer? @TimsStrategy

Is It Time for Your Resume Checkup? @barbarasafani

The post What is your unique value proposition? appeared first on Keppie Careers.

We’ll be talking about my new book, Social Networking for Career Success, and I’ll be offering tips and advice for job seekers and entrepreneurs about the right social networks to join and use.

If you haven’t listened in to Maggie’s show, you are missing out! Her past guests include: Martha Stewart, Deepak Chopra, Stephen Covey, Sally Field, Patricia Heaton, Ty Pennington, Barbara Corcoran, Dilbert creator Scott Adams and Henry Winkler.

Get your career questions answered on the career hotline by calling 1-866-675-6675. Tune in with a FREE trial of SIRIUS!

Photo by CarbonNYC

The post On the radio on SIRIUS/XM with Maggie Mistal appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Does “one button” applying help or hurt your chances for a job? Easy isn’t always the best approach for job seekers. I would anticipate a one-button solution (eliminating those pesky “hoops” job seekers usually need to jump through) will result in many more candidates applying for jobs. Just a guess here, but I am also guessing it would appeal to more UNqualified candidates. I’m not sure if that’s useful for employers or job seekers, but it’s sure to feed into an applicant tracking system to help make it easy for employers to scan and screen applicants.

The question of what it all means for job seekers still sticks out like a sore thumb. One of the most important things to do when applying for a job online is to target your materials to match the employer’s needs. How you apply for a job can be the difference between getting a job or not. It’s crucial that your application materials make a case for you. This may be tricky for people applying for various types of jobs. It is much easier to tweak a resume and application than it is to worry about what LinkedIn profile is up. (Although, of course, the LinkedIn profile is always a factor, when it is the clear leading indicator when you apply, it can make applying more complicated for career changers or those career change expert Marci Alboher calls “slashers.” She defines “slashers” as people who have multiple career interests and expertise and “can’t answer the question ‘What do you do?’ with a single word or phrase.”)

Donna Svei points out that reports say applicants will have a chance to edit their profiles when they apply, but as she explains, it’s unclear right now if the changes would be permanent on the LinkedIn profile or not.

These are all important details, and it will be absolutely necessary for job seekers to remember that “one button” applying may shorten the process, but it’s not an invitation to apply for jobs without foresight and focus.

If companies do start to receive a lot of unqualified or un-targeted applicants, we may see them preferring to find candidates from other sources. In fact, Career Columnist for The Seattle Times (NWjobs), Paul Anderson recently shared a column describing the fact that some employers advertise and collect applications from places even though they DON’T expect to hire applicants from that pool! A little crazy, right? Paul clarified for me they put out those feelers “just in case” they don’t get a good pool from their preferred sources.

Job seekers should keep an eye on news about easier ways to apply for jobs. If you want to land an opportunity to interview for the job, though, don’t focus on the “it’s easy” aspect — keep an eye on the prize and spend time needed to tweak and target.

Have you seen my new book — Social Networking for Career Success? Take a look if you want ideas about how to get your job search (or business) going in the right direction!

photo by Jim’s outside photos

The post What LinkedIn’s “apply” button may mean for job seekers appeared first on Keppie Careers.

Different experts have different advice about book sales, selling and timing, but I’d love to have a very strong first month launch! Amazon is selling my book for around $11 – what a deal! Or, you should be able to get it at your local bookstore. Just ask and they’ll either have a copy or be able to order it for you. If you’d like to learn more about how social networking can propel your business or job hunt forward, I think my book can help. Take a look at what the community of colleagues and expert advisers thought about it!

“Social media can absolutely help you get hired — and this book has all the answers on how to make it happen.”

—Tory Johnson, CEO, Women For Hire

“This is a “must read” for anyone committed to professional success in the new era.”

—Martin Yate CPC, New York Times bestseller and author of Knock ’em Dead Secrets & Strategies

“Social Networking for Career Success is a great beginner’s cookbook for understanding and using social media to enhance your professional life. If you don’t know where to start in the cyber-networking kitchen, read this book.”

—Eve Tahmincioglu, Author, From the Sandbox to the Corner Office and MSNBC.com Career Columnist

“Miriam Salpeter has truly composed a masterpiece in social media and personal branding, combining the power of her own vast expertise and that of the industry’s top-rated thought leaders into one of the most comprehensive online career guides I have ever read. Every page contains actionable, credible and relevant advice that you can follow immediately to both start advancing your brand and your career.”

—Chris Perry, Founder of CareerRocketeer.com

“Mastering social media is imperative for today’s job seekers. Miriam’s book is the perfect toolkit to ensure that you are maximizing your online brand and putting your best foot forward in a digital world.”

—Chris Russell, CEO, AllCountyJobs.com

“Social Networking isn’t a task we should dread doing, it’s a skill we should want to develop. Every job is temporary and we are businesses—of-one. So, developing a personal brand that allows us to promote our professional strengths on a larger scale could be the one thing that keeps us employed—both now and in the future. Miriam Salpeter’s new book is the ideal guide to help you learn to leverage social networking for your career. The resource list alone is worth the price!”

—J.T. O’Donnell, CEO of CareerHMO.com and founder of CAREEREALISM.com

If you are looking for a great resource for online tools and your career, you’ve found it!

—Jason Alba, CEO of job search organizer JibberJobber.com and author of I’m on LinkedIn—Now What???

“Social networking to land a job is nothing new, but Miriam’s book offers plenty of advice I’ve never even thought of before—and I write about this on a daily basis! Social Networking for Career Success is broken into easily digestible chunks of information that will benefit everyone from college students to experienced professionals. It’s a whole new world of job hunting out there!”

—Heather R. Huhman, Founder & President, comerecommended.com

“Miriam has assembled the ultimate go-to-guide for the modern job seeker. The advice is clear and concise, the tools easy to understand and the value undeniable. You need to read this book.”

—Mark Stelzner, Founder of JobAngels

“This is a crucial book for anybody—regardless of age, education level, industry, or function—to gain a career edge and succeed in a world where social media has become as essential as the printed resume used to be. Social Networking for Career Success shows you how to gain access to the best opportunities, before they are posted to the general public, and is a resource that you will refer to again and again.”

—Andrew Neitlich, co-Author, Guerrilla Marketing for a Bulletproof Career

“Miriam Salpeter is a true leader in the social networking world and in her book, “Social Networking for Career Success,” she shares her expert advice for social media users of all levels and career goals. This book should be on the shelf or e-reader of anyone who is serious about career success in today’s hyper-connected world. Highly recommended.”

—Lindsey Pollak, author of Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World

“Pure gold! It contains something for everyone, at any level. Consider it a must-read for anyone who wants to understand social media! Social Networking for Career Success oozes credibility with real life examples and success stories and the simple to understand, actionable steps, make it too easy NOT to do!”

—Hannah Morgan, CareerSherpa.net

“Miriam Salpeter is effervescent; she is action behind her words. Her reputation as a global careerist with profound, yet easy-to-relate-to social networking advice entices job seekers, careerists and entrepreneurs to her virtual doors to learn the social media dance. Her new book, Social Networking for Career Success exudes her charm and energy while piling up stacks of virtual career networking resources in a compact, easily digestible format.”

—Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, Master Resume Writer, Chief Career Writer and Partner of CareerTrend.net, Cofounder of the Career Collective

“Social Networking for Career Success is the most comprehensive resource I’ve seen on using all aspects of social networking in job search and career advancement. This reader-friendly guide is destined to become a bible for savvy careerists who want to integrate the most effective social tools to get ahead.”

—Katharine Hansen, associate publisher/creative director, Quintessential Careers (quintcareers.com)

“If you’ve applied for a job online and don’t know what to do next, this book is the answer. It is clear, concise and filled with actionable information sure to supercharge your job search or entrepreneurial endeavor. I defy you to do all that is written herein and not get a job or boost the branding of your enterprise.”

—Jim Stroud, www.JimStroud.com

“Social Networking for Career Success is the modern job seeker’s insider guide to job search and career management success. Miriam shares all the secrets, sites, and strategies to put anyone, including a web novice, at home in confidently navigating the otherwise complex web of social media job search to identify and win the job.”

—Laura DeCarlo, President of the global association, Career Directors International; creator of the Certified Professional in Online Job Search & Reputation Management; and author of Interviewing: The Gold Standard, Job Search Bloopers, and Interview Pocket RX.

“Miriam Salpeter is a job seeker’s best friend. Her business is helping others use social media to land their next job… and she does so beautifully! Now, there are others out there who ‘get’ social media, but can’t teach it, and even more who can teach it, but don’t have anything unique to say. Miriam is one of the only social media gurus who consistently and clearly shares a simple, yet unique, strategy for using social media to land your next gig. Read this book if you are still unsure how to really maximize your time on the various, emerging social media platforms available; I assure you, you will emerge much more knowledgeable and armed for your job search. This book is well worth the money, and highly recommended!!”

—Laura M. Labovich, Founder, Aspire! Empower! Career Strategy Group

“Social Networking for Career Success is a head above other social media resources. Miriam is a respected blogger and experienced social media pro who provides strategic insights and technical guidance. She anticipates her readers’ questions, deftly transitioning from the high view to the essential details. This is the must read guide for anyone who wants to use social networking to access new career opportunities.”

—Debra Feldman, Executive Talent Agent, JobWhiz

“Miriam has successfully used social networks to advance her personal brand. This book will show you how you can do the same!”

—Dan Schawbel, author of Me 2.0 and founder of Millennial Branding

“Today more than ever it’s critical to know how to navigate the digital ecosystem. This book provides readers with real world stories and advice on how to leverage social networking to find a job or simply advance their career.”

—Robyn Cobb, VP Digital Influence, Ogilvy Public Relations

“This really—seriously!—is a must-read book for everyone, unemployed or not! Excellent, landmark book—the best I’ve read on this topic! Social media and social networks are dramatically impacting the job search/recruiting landscape for all of us, and the velocity of change is picking up. So, smart people will read and implement Miriam’s suggestions before they need to job search, because to ignore this technological revolution is to be left behind—waaaayyyy behind. And, very few of us can afford that!

—Susan P. Joyce, Editor/Publisher, Job-Hunt.org

“Social Networking for Career Success is a comprehensive, well-organized guide for any professional or job-seeker to advance his or her career. Whether you are a passive candidate or engaged in an active job search, this book will prove to be a valuable resource in managing your online presence and creating a positive brand that will attract employers.”

—Andrea Santiago, Guide to Health Careers at About.com

“We use social networking sites everyday to check-in, update our friends and share ideas with the world. But what if you need to find a job or establish a new career? Miriam’s book offers practical and strategic advice to build your online brand along with examples of people doing it right.”

—Tim Tyrell-Smith, Founder of Tim’s Strategy and author of 30 Ideas: The Ideas of Successful Job Search

“Social Networking for Career Success is basic enough for those who are clueless about social media, yet rich enough to offer social media pros information they likely don’t already know.”

—Vivian Steir Rabin and Carol Fishman Cohen, Co-authors, Back on the Career Track

“No one knows the intersection of social media and careers better than Miriam Salpeter. I am always learning something new from her, and thanks to Social Networking for Career Success, you will too! The best thing about this book is its substantial detail – by the time you’re finished, you’ll be ready to take advantage of dozens social networking strategies you didn’t even know existed.”

—Alexandra Levit, Author of New Job, New You: A Guide to Reinventing Yourself in a Bright New Career

“Miriam not only shows you how to efficiently and effectively use social media tools to land your dream career, she also gives you some valuable insight into how you can make it easy for employers to find you. And she does it with a little bit of humor and spunk!”

—Heather McGough, Microsoft Recruiter since 2000

I’d be thrilled if you’d order a copy! Or, tell a friend? Thanks for your support.

photo by mrjoro

The post Buzz about Social Networking for Career Success appeared first on Keppie Careers.