With economic problems still afflicting the UK and many other countries it is hardly surprising that employment remains a 
major issue. For the most recent set of graduates, a competitive job market awaits them with high volumes of qualified applicants fighting ruthlessly for a very limited number of positions.
This means finding ways to get one step ahead is crucial. Having the necessary qualifications and experience is all very well but in the modern world applicants need to be expert salesmen capable of marketing themselves both in person and online – but how?
Social media
Perhaps the biggest development which the Internet has seen over recent years, social media sites have completely transformed the way in which we interact online. Despite their origins as social platforms designed for personal communication, nowadays all areas of our lives are connected to the sites. Professional uses for social media are commonplace and almost as prolific as their social activities with some sites, such as LinkedIn, focusing purely on the professional.
When marketing yourself online it is therefore important that you pay attention to the social platforms you use. It is a good idea to be active on all of the major systems but not overly prolific. Whilst personal content will still take up a large proportion of your activities it is important that you consider how this will appear in a professional context. Most employers will check the social media profiles of prospective applicants during the review process and anything which is unprofessional or which goes against the company ethos could put a black mark against your name.
Avoid commenting about your interview experiences or insulting companies or previous employers and adjust your privacy settings to restrict what unknown users can view.
Building a website
Of course, you don’t have to rely on the services of others to promote yourself – you can use your own website to achieve the same goal. Building a website with a free website builder is a great way to market yourself in a unique manner without spending a fortune.
As a dedicated page, websites can have more impact than social media feeds as they display only relevant content rather than listing all of your online activities and interactions. They also show that you are able to complete tasks in an efficient manner whilst displaying your computer aptitude and creativity – ideal if you’re looking for employment in this field.
By putting your website address on your CV you can give your employer a chance to see exactly what you are capable of. This could prove crucial in your attempt to secure employment so it is important that you give sufficient thought to practical aspects, such as the layout, design and navigation of the website, as well as other details such as what will be included on it.
A good idea is to incorporate a mixture of professional and personal details. You may want to dedicate different pages to separate areas of your personality – providing more detail on information listed on your CV; such as your hobbies and interests, previous experiences and qualifications. You may also want to include a blog which is updated regularly. This will prove your ability to complete regular work and is a great way to let a potential employer get an idea of your personality quickly and easily.
Remember to vary the content as much as possible by integrating images and videos as well. This would be best completed within lists of hobbies or previous experiences; providing evidence for your claims.