This presentation explains how to combine web elements with traditional elements to position yourself ahead of a job search.

1. Positioning Yourself for a Job Search NefeshB’Nefesh Kelli Brown | December 2009

2. About your presenter Decade of experience: Web development and design Print and digital graphic design Web marketing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Aliyah in July 2007 with NefeshB’Nefesh kelli@pixelpointpress.com and 054-225-7879 Presentation is available to view or download at http://bit.ly/nbnjobsppt

3. Today’s seminar How the web fits in with your job search Why you need a web presence What to do to position yourself Questions on first half (10:30) Break (approx. 10:45-11:00) What to do when you get hired (11:30) Questions on anything covered (Noon)

4. About the group How long have you been in Israel? What’s your job situation: My old career exists here My old career exists here, but I’m not qualified I’m switching industries or positions I’m moving into self-employment I just graduated (Mazaltov!) or a student

5. Today’s job market – high tech Many positions are filled before they are advertised HR receives between 15-85 resumes for each open position Positions requiring three years experience are often filled by applicants with 15+ years exp. Unpaid internships are filled by 5+ years exp.

6. Job Search Challenges Your resume has less impact in Israel Where you went to school Where you worked Your references aren’t well-known Your network is tough to leverage Your language skills might be an issue Your job may not exist here Perhaps the pay rate makes it infeasible

7. Job Search Opportunities You have what many companies need Years of experience, mother-tongue English You will be judged by your expertise Many companies are willing to take a chance You can make connections quickly Your attitude makes all the difference

9. Cover letter

10. Resume/CV

11. Portfolio (if applicable)

12. References

13. Networking in real life

15. Blog

16. Searchable resume (LinkedIn)

17. Gallery (if applicable)

18. Social networks

19. Networking online

20. Industry groupsMost traditional elements have a corollary element online

21. Goals of your web presence* Leverage your strengths, overcome weaknesses Demonstrate industry expertise Promote a hidden skill set Help you stand out from other applicants Know your competition In short, to answer the question: “Why should I hire you instead of someone else forthis position?” * And to make it all searchable on Google so employers find you

22. What you need Website with a blog Simple and easy to navigate Content to share Which means you need industry knowledge Completed profile on LinkedIn Networks to leverage, groups to connect

23. What to do Before writing, explore your target industry Use blog posts to expand beyond your CV Broadcast your content wide and far Yes, this means Facebook and Twitter Combine your web and real-life networks Keep it in English Unless you speak Hebrew fluently

24. Your website Up-to-date resume: clear and concise Make links and email addresses clickable Link to your university, employers, etc. About page: anticipate employer questions Contact info: phone, email, network URLs Updated blog: post at least once a week Site should be your own domain name

25. Your blog Update regularly: shows consistency Communication skills Comment on news: industry awareness Expand on your skills Projects you’ve managed – other hidden talents Awards and achievements (and why they matter) What would you try to convey in an interview?

26. Blog posts should be 250 to 600 words in length Related to news when possible Written in a conversational (yet professional) tone Organized neatly into categories

27. Your first five blog posts Who you are What career you’re aiming for and why Your successes and strengths Your work history Why you’re the best candidate for the job

28. LinkedIn (linkedin.com) Create an account and complete profile Profile picture: simple, clear headshot Not a comic avatar, kids, pets, pint of beer Use the same image across networks Add your blog feed (maybe Twitter too?) Join industry groups, connect with other members Comment and answer questions

29. “Social” networks Mythbusting – common misconceptions Join Facebook or Twitter (or both) Balance professional and personal information Share link to your site/blog posts on networks Utilize your connections – wherever they are What do you have to lose?

30. Common responses “But I have pictures of my kids on there…” Welcome to Israel – it might help you “But I don’t want them to see my FB page…” You can’t prevent them from searching Google “But a lot of my profile is personal – favorite books, music, hobbies, etc.” And it might make a wonderful ice breaker

31. Israel job sites: tips for job hunting and openings International industry-related groups: latest news Israeli industry-specific groups: find potential colleagues, job openings, networking events, conferences Company-specific groups: learn more about a prospective employer Networking groups: where jobs are often posted first Industry Groups (Yahoo!) Don’t forget to find out if they have blogs, sites, Facebook groups, etc.

32. Extra credit Have video? Post it to YouTube and embed it back into your site or blog Have a portfolio? Post it to Flickr and embed it as a slideshow into your site Given presentations? Upload your PowerPoint files to SlideShare.net and embed in your site Remember the goal is to stand out in a good way

33. Your questions on the first half If you have questions later, please feel free to contact me: kelli@pixelpointpress.com 054-225-7879 (office hours 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

34. Time for a break! See you in 15 minutes

35. When you get hired… Keep up your personal branding Blogging once a week Chronicle your achievements Get samples for your portfolio Connect with new colleagues Ask for recommendations

36. When you’re employed… Your blog serves as a catalog of what you do Easier to position yourself while you’re employed – “no ulterior motive” Demonstrates ongoing skill development Less suspicious than branding yourself later What did you learn from the last two years?

37. Benefits of ongoing branding Demonstrates value to current employer Promotes relevance within industry Prepares you for next transition Bonus: You might enjoy yourself

38. Resources Online WordPress blogging software: wordpress.org Includes free themes and tutorials NBN Employment: www.nbn.org.il/about/nbn_employ.htm JobMob: jobmob.co.il Pixel/Point Press blog: pixelpointpress.com

39. To learn more Social Media Marketing classes Herzliya: Dec. 15-22-29 from 9 a.m. to noon Jerusalem: Dec. 16-23-30 from 9 a.m. to noon Suited to small business owners and marketing executives Contact classes@pixelpointpress.com for more information or to register

40. Thanks For attending – your feedback is welcome To NefeshB’Nefesh for hosting B’hatzlacha on your job search!

41. More time for questions If you have questions later, please feel free to contact me: kelli@pixelpointpress.com 054-225-7879 (office hours 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)