Keeping you updated...

Get ‘Keeping you updated...’ and other blog posts straight to your inbox by subscribing to this blog via email. Please see the subscription box on the right hand side and submit your email. Once submitted, you will need to use the link in the automatic activation email to VERIFY your subscription.

With the lack of intern opportunities on social media and company websites, I decided that it would be a good time to post ‘keeping you updated’. Although, if I’m honest, not a lot has changed for me since the previous post last month.

A lot of people have been asking me about the job market and the inevitable question ‘have you started applying yet?’ in short, I have and I haven’t. I’ve applied to three PA/Editorial positions at magazine companies, but it appears I’m still too early. My classic enthusiasm bug never seems to go away - I know some of you feel the same..

I received an email from a reader the other week asking ‘how do you do it? How do you write so much outside of University and still keep up with it all?’, and I simply told them (like other final year’s I’m sure) that I have no social life whatsoever. However sad it may be, it’s still one hundred percent true. Even when I take that into consideration, it remains no understatement that as my dissertation deadline approaches, I’m definitely feeling it and quite frankly I’m struggling. So on that positive note, much to my dismay, I will not be posting my regular Saturday posts up until the 31^st of March, which is when they will resume. Some of you may feel heartbroken others relief. Any which way, to my joy, I will still be posting up regularly on Tuesdays.

As usual, feel free to send me a quick email if you have a query, statement or just want to chat – I’m a big fan of social interaction. Also, don’t forget that I’m still looking for any bloggers that want to contribute to this blog and to write about their positive intern experiences.

Here’s a snippet from an older blog post -

Over the next coming months, I would really like to expand my blog to include other student/graduate experiences of any publishing placements undertaken. I would like to do this as I think this would help other reader’s gain a bit more of an insight into work experience, in terms of what is involved and what they can expect from different companies.

If anyone would like to contribute to this blog then please email me. The written piece will be in a similar style to my own snapshot diaries, and will be entitled ‘Guest Snapshot Diary – [Name]’. There is no minimum word count as long as the piece is insightful.

For more information email: steff.lever@gmail.com

Hope you all have a lovely weekend :-)

Top 5 Tips for Managing Your Online Presence

Get ‘Top 5 Tips for Managing Your Online Presence’ and other blog posts straight to your inbox by subscribing to this blog via email. Please see the subscription box on the right hand side and submit your email. Once submitted, you will need to use the link in the automatic activation email to VERIFY your subscription.

It occurred to me that many of my readers would have their own individual online presence/image – hence this blog post on how to manage it. Unsurprisingly, prospective employers will check up on your online image/presence, and this will undoubtedly have an effect on your application. With much emphasis on digital media, having your own online presence will certainly boost your application. However, if you don’t manage your online image effectively, then expect the consequences.

1) LinkedIn

Consider LinkedIn your online CV. If you haven’t set up an account yet then set one up. If your still a student or recent graduate, make sure you include all the work experience you have, as well as any relevant involvement in extracurricular activities. Try to complete your online profile as much as possible – LinkedIn has a wizard to help you do this. To boost your profile, try to get a few recommendations from other people.

2) Other social media

Don’t forget about the other sources of social media. This obviously includes little social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Some recruiters are known for checking out your Facebook profile AND the friends you have on there - so be wary of the impressions that you are sending out. To avoid a faux pas, increase your privacy settings to make it harder for people to access your complete profile.

In addition, be cautious with what you’re tweeting on Twitter, if you wouldn’t like a potential employer to read it, then chances are it’s not worth tweeting. Like with Facebook though, there are privacy settings to avoid this issue.

3) Email

I’ve spoke about email signatures before, and I reiterate that they are important when sending out professional emails. Currently, my email signature incorporates a standard closure of ‘many thanks’ including my twitter handle and blog URL.

In addition, some email accounts set up email profiles e.g. Windows Live Mail. This profile is connected to your MSN Live Messenger (if you’ve ever used it), and features your most recent profile picture amongst other things. If you suspect you may have a Windows Live profile, then it is something to check up on as search engines will definitely pick it up.

4) Search Engines

It is healthy to check your name in search engines from time to time. This will ensure that your online presence is professional with no blunders.

5) Personal Websites

If you haven’t already, it may be a nice idea to set up your own blog and to use it as an online portfolio of work. For example, if you’re a creative writer then you can upload your work, and thus create an online portfolio. Everyone likes to browse at other people’s work, and even better if a potential employer spots you.

I hope some of you have the above useful. It is certainly important to maintain and improve your online image. If you have any questions about this post, please feel free to send me an email – I’d love to hear from you.