A colleague of mine sent this link over to me the other day and said I should check it out and I’m glad I did.  A huge part of our professional lives is supported, if not determined, by our ability to network and build relationships. 

The site, Meetup (with about 2.5 million members) is a terrific place for people to join and/or start meetup groups.  So, if you have an interest you can find a local group in your area and meetup with them.   These groups cover just about any topic and/or hobby that a person can think of.  In the career & work topic there are 195 topics with 3,814 meetups – just check the city listing near you. 

From work-at-home moms, to network marketing to entrepreneurs – there is a meetup group for just about everyone.  And, if you don’t find one to match your interest just go ahead and start one.  Check it out - expand your network and increase your visibility.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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As more and more employers turn to rich media to present themselves to you, it stands to reason that they will soon be expecting you to do the same. One of the ways that you can demonstrate your savvy in this arena is to create a video resume (aka: video introduction) that recruiters and employers can view. Your video resume will enable viewers to get to know the side of you that does not show up on your text resume. Your video resume is used as a compliment to your text resume, not a replacement.

One of the challenges with a video resume is the importance of getting the viewer to continue watching the full video. Knowing how quick we jump around on our computers, it is critical to catch your viewer with a strong presentation and not “a day in the life” approach, which will just bore them not to mention irritate them as a time waster.

So, knowing this tip it is imperative that you develop a strong, compelling script – practice that script until it flows naturally and keep your video intro under 2 minutes in length (a minute or so is ideal). Also, we all have a very different opinion of something we create ourselves. So, with that in mind have some of your friends and colleagues review the video and be open to suggestions. Attracting the viewer is one thing – getting them to continue watching is another story.

If you would like a professional opinion on your video you can also take a look at our ‘video review’ service, which is laser focused on ensuring that your message speaks to the employers needs and provides them with a great picture of who you are and what it would be like to work with you.

So, update yourself by learning more about rich media and how taking this approach can help market YOU.

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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If you’re a college student (or will be entering college) and are still wrestling with what you want to do with the rest of your life, perhaps a gap year is just what you need. But, then of course that brings up another question – where to go?

Gap Year is a great website that may help you through some of the decisions you will be confronted with if you plan on taking a year off and actually doing something with it besides hanging around your home town. The site has information on just about any adventure you can dream up. From events jobs in London to ski resorts in France to diving in South Africa, there’s something for everyone.

So, if you’re thinking about a gap year, check out all the information available at gapyear.com

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

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Recruiting networks that I’m connected to are continually communicating with one another about how to find A-Players (aka: passive job seekers). These candidates are what make recruiters coo and they go to great lengths to find them. Why? Because these individuals are currently performing functions that recruiters are trying to fill. It’s a slam-dunk, so to speak. But, wait a minute you say…you’re out of work, currently, perhaps due to a RIF or maybe even on your own accord. In any case, you are an active job seeker and would like to have the opportunity to be viewed along with the passive job seeker. How can you do this? One way is by increasing your online presence. Having your own link online is a good way to begin directing your career. It allows you to develop a portfolio of your experience that you can make available 24/7 to recruiters, employers, or whomever you wish.

LinkedIn is a great way to begin, if you don’t already have a profile with them it is a good idea to get one. The next area you should look into is creating a video resume (aka: video introduction) and having your own portfolio link – see this sample. This is a great way to provide others with information about your experience and what they can expect of you in the work environment. It’s a terrific icebreaker and is easy to maintain on an ongoing basis. You can place your ‘link’ on LinkedIn and/or provide it to whomever you wish at anytime.

Taking these steps to increase your online presence will enable you to claim a spot in the passive job seeker arena and not only be looked at when you send a paper resume in response to an open position (active job seeking). Having a perpetual online presence allows you to use your link in your email messaging, place your link on your business card, provide your link when networking and/or have a friend pass your link along to his/her manager – you get the idea here – it’s much more powerful than a paper resume in a viral kind of way. That way you’re not scurrying around with your resume trying to get people to pay attention to it, or worse, sending it into a resume database…ugh! We all know where that gets us. Although your video resume and portfolio will not and should not replace your paper resume, establishing your online presence is a definite way to improve your visibility and join the forces of the passive job seeker - ah…it’s good to be the caviar

Posted by Robin Ogden – FiredUP Careers

Visit us and get your FREE report and while you’re there check out our Great Video ebook!