Notice how many resumes
we have to keep on our computer, and how we need to update every single
file whenever we start looking for a new job? Of course, we shouldn’t
really be complaining because we are the ones looking for a job, but
what if we have a really good opportunity, and we need to respond within
five minutes? Wouldn’t it be great to have an online resource that we
could refer to so all employers would see everything that we’re up to?
That is exactly what about.me is for.
about.me is a social network that tells people all
about a subject that you’re an expert of: yourself. After signing up
simply via Facebook or Twitter (it’s free!), you’re able to control
every single aspect of your page so it can show every part of your
personality: the background colour, the font, the picture (or pictures –
if you want to personalise the background too) – everything can be
changed to reflect your personality. Here are some of the advantages you
can get from using this site:
Create a personal profile for all job types:
Sometimes we get confused which facts to place in a resume when we
are applying for a job. This results in us leaving out information that
we might deem unimportant but would actually be pertinent in the eyes of
the employer. When you create generic profile, you are telling your
employer that you are an open book, and that they can check on your
background as much as they want. Of course, it would help to segregate
your experiences into different fields just so that prospective
employers would not have to look through everything just to get what
they need.
Look professional with your own website:
Although about.me is a free website, it does allow you to create a
name that would make the site extremely personal. Not only does your
name become personal, but so does the site itself. You can upload your
own backdrop as well as your profile picture. You will also have an easy
time adding all the information that you would want to share, including
links to other websites and social networks. Categorizing these will
also not be a problem, since about.me will give you all the tools you
need to create your own website. There will be no need to learn any
type of code.
Use the site for business purposes:
Job hunting is not the only reason why you would want to use this
website. The very same site could be used to promote a business that
you might be running on-line. Some might think that having a business
would ruin your chances of getting hired, but that once again is not
something that is definite. Some employers appreciate the fact that you
are able to run a business, and would keep an eye on your capabilities
in running a small team and then get you for bigger things. Of course,
the interview will still play a role in your moving up, but your
decision-making skills will also have something to do with your career.
Conclusion:
Just like everything else, the use of this site will need to come
with a work of caution. First of all, whatever you post on your profile
will be seen by anyone who stumbles onto it, whether intentionally of
by accident. This is because the site is designed for job hunters, and
job hunters need to have their profiles available to everyone.
Secondly, be careful what you link to this site, because these will also
be seen by whoever accesses your about.me profile. You would not want
to give your future employer access to some crazy pictures reserved for
friends only.
