Google+ for Job Search: Your Profile Makes it Matter

Clearly, social media is an essential tool for  finding a new job or extending ourpro fessional networks.

When you think social media and careers, LinkedIn may be the first place that comes to mind.

However, it may be time to expand your online reach… and Google+ may just be your next step.

Why Google+?

Donna Svei of AvidCareerist.com answers that, “if you have a profile on Google Plus, and it contains the key words a recruiter is looking for, your profile will pop for them from their Google Search. IT’S THAT EASY. No building a network. No levels of connection. No spendy premium plans. Just simplicity.”

In addition, a post from Mashable proclaims “you will be Googled,” so why not take action to fine tune the part of your digital footprint already associated with Google?

Finally, given their influence, chances are very good that you are already using Google, whether it’s the popular search engine, Gmail, or one of many Google Apps.

So, let’s jump in… and create a profile that helps recruiters find you…

The Winning Profile

With career development and the job search process in mind, here are the Google+ profile sections you should consider completing as a form of social resume:

• Story: This is the primary information that will appear under the “About” tab of your profile (see the screenshot below). This includes Tagline, Introduction, and Bragging Rights (i.e., achievements).

What is your story? Use key words relevant to your industry and interests to help your profile appear in recruiters’ searches. Note that while the brief Tagline is public, you can modify the settings for the Introduction and Bragging Rights.

• Work: In this section of your profile, add your Occupation, a list of Skills, and details about your Employment history (i.e., company name, job title, start and end dates, job description.) As in the Story section, you can decide which items will be public or private.

• Education: Create a list of your education and training achievements. The entries are similar in format to what you might include in a traditional resume or job application, such as institution name, field of study, and year of graduation.

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