Personal Branding, the Old-Fashioned Way Accelerated Learning Resources

Personal Branding, the Old-Fashioned Way

Depending on the field, there are specific requirements that need to be included when applying for a job. During my search for a public relations, marketing, social media or other service position, Ive noticed that most employers require applicants to include their Twitter and blog information. I always include these on my hard copy resume, but not on a public, personal website.

In some of my classes, I’ve had professors tell us the importance of maintaining a blog, getting a Twitter account and attracting as many people as possible. Employers can find resumes, work samples and work history at the click of the mouse. This makes it more convenient for companies, and more competitive for potential workers.

But lately I wonder whether these professors and students are paying enough attention to the privacy, relevance and quality factors involving an online presence.

I am somewhat hesitant to publicly post a personal website. It’s not entirely an issue of privacy, but rather “traditional” professionalism. I am all for being creative and developing and implementing business ideas, yet I also exhibit old-school habits. If I had the choice, I would still personally call a company or contact on the phone and discuss my work samples and email them directly, because I view my resume and work samples as if they were my children. My work deserves a different medium of arrival to potential employers. I know this is an inconvenience to employers in a sea of hungry college students.

Social media is not a fad as many people think, but a shift in our communication. I have yet to understand why my Twitter and blogs for personal use need to be the most important items on my resume. Most of my Twitter feed is from news outlets, dozens of public relations companies and consultants, and friends. Does this mean I’m not as qualified for a position if I don’t show this publicly? Will this lower my credibility?

The more I show on the Internet, the more risk I take. But at the same time, risk can increase your rewards, if you’re lucky. Perhaps I should forget what happened last time there was a giant Internet push, the dot-com bubble, and forge ahead.

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