Mail    Print    Share

Build Your Social Media Resume

We break down how you can impress employers in 140 characters or less

RELATED: 10 Tips for Using Twitter to Fuel Your Job Search The Skinny On Social Networks And Media Jobs

To compete in today's media job market, you need to build up your social media resume. Forget clips -- employers want to see you connected online, whether it be a LinkedIn or Facebook profile, your ability to Tweet or even the number of followers you have on Twitter. In fact, some companies have created social media expert positions in order to make their brands more present online. BusinessWeek.com editor-in-chief John Byrne recently remarked, "Years ago, if you were a smart, ambitious professional you distinguished yourself by having something worthwhile to say about your business or profession. You sought opportunities to be a panelist at an industry or professional trade association. You tried to give a speech at the local Chamber of Commerce. You wrote a bylined article for a trade journal. Today, your active participation in social media can convey similar status and prestige."

Even if you're not vying for a social media-specific post, mastering the various venues for online social opportunities can jolt your application apart from the predictable one-two punch of a staid cover letter and C.V. We talked to experts, journalists and hiring managers to learn just how to harness Web tools to win over potential employers....

The How to Pitch series is worth its weight in gold. In just the first month I'd already benefited enough to consider the cost of joining well worth it. -- Gaen Murphree