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The new mobile design of ClearanceJobs ensures you can get your career in shape anywhere – tablet, PC or desktop. So whether it’s a lunch break or sitting in bed at 10 PM, there has never been a better time to log in and improve your profile. Wondering where to get started? Follow these tips to make sure you’re spending your time wisely, and getting the most out of your online presence.
1. Read your profile like a marketer.
I try not to wax philosophical very often, but the pursuit of a successful career requires a little introspection. All too many of us (myself included) have a tendency to post a basic bio on our online profiles and then ignore it for the next, oh, say, five years or so. Don’t wait for a time when you’re actively searching for a job before you give your profile a good look. Now is the perfect time. The mobile-friendly ClearanceJobs is more intuitive than ever, and also a better reflection of you – but only if you take the time to complete the profile features.
Don’t think you need a personal brand? Now, more than ever, employers hire for personality. That’s not bias, that’s good business – a candidate is most likely to jump ship because they didn’t like the culture, not because they didn’t like the work. Employers want to hire candidates they can keep. Read your online profile like a brand professional – what one or two take-aways do you want to give to an employer? That’s you’re flexible? That you have great communication skills? That you have extensive government experience? Get one or two traits in mind, and build your profile like a brand expert – your career will thank you.
2. Update your cover and profile photos.
Your cover and profile photos are some of the most significant – and underused – branding spaces. Make sure you have both a profile and cover photo. For the security conscious and photo averse, use these creative profile tips to keep your real likeness private. If you’ve never updated a cover photo before, now is the time. With the new ClearanceJobs design, cover photos are more prominent, and a great visual introduction to your profile. The ideal cover photo size is 1170 x 145. If you’re a photo novice (or just a poor designer, like me), check out Canva.com – you can use the site to build a unique-to-you cover photo in just a few minutes.
3. Check out what’s enabled (and what isn’t).
ClearanceJobs gives a multitude of options for how you interact with recruiters, and how they’re able to reach out to you. If you’ve never taken the time to review your settings, do it now. An improved chat function allows you to engage in quick, informal, on-the-go conversations with employers, from your PC or mobile. Don’t want to be available for chat? Just edit your profile to say ‘not available to chat.’ If you’ve never used chat before, however, now is the time. It’s easier than ever and a great way to show employers how responsive you are. And even with chat enabled, you still always have the option to accept or pass on a chat request.
4. Think of your career profile like an online dating profile.
If you’ve ever done online dating, you know that it’s not a one-way street (unless you’re a supermodel or used a supermodel’s photo in your profile – you know who you are). You want to build a great personal profile, but you also need to spend a little time checking out potential matches. The same goes for your career. Don’t just spend all of your time making your profile fantastic – search employer profiles and use features available there to signal your interest. You can check out an employers recent activity to see what they’ve been up to lately, including recently posted jobs, group activity and more.
One easy way to show employers you’re interested? ‘Like’ their current hiring needs. It’s like signaling to a potential employer, ‘hey, I like you – check me out and maybe we can take this relationship to the next level sometime.’
5. Get Going with Groups.
One of the best ways to put the new mobile-friendly ClearanceJobs to use and jump start your career? Participate in groups. There are 67 groups at ClearanceJobs, so get out there and get involved. Pick one or two that are the best match for your career interests and goals, and make an effort to post at least once a week, whether it’s an industry news update, event of interest, or tip. Being a valued member of a group signals to an employer you may be a great team member within their company. The best part about ClearanceJobs groups? You must meet the criteria to participate, so they aren’t filled with spam or meaningless chatter.
