LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube. These are only a few of the social networks that many of us use on a regular basis. We upload pictures from our latest trip, communicate with friends, share useful tips through a YouTube channel or follow the news. Also, and probably most importantly in relation to this blog, social media can help us to improve our employability, or even help to secure a job. I know that many of us will already have a LinkedIn profile, but is it really enough to upload basic information about previous jobs or the university course? What do we need to bear in mind in order to make the most out of the possibilities that we have?Did you know, for example, that the NAO has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn, amongst others? We use these platforms to share the results of our work. We are showing what we do. This, however, is not all. This blog, for example, tries to convey how things are done and how it might look like to work for the NAO. We aim to give you an understanding of what you can expect when you start working with us. We do this regularly in order to keep you updated and involved.
So, why don’t you do something similar? Yes, it is essential that you list your work experience and degree information, so that a future employer can see what you have done. But apart from technical skills and knowledge, it is important that you demonstrate soft skills and how you do things. Especially when applying for the NAO, it is important that you can demonstrate that you have eight core competencies. LinkedIn offers the opportunity for you to show your skills that can be confirmed by your contacts. Make the most out of this function and even ask former employers to write a short recommendation for you, so your profile gains more credibility and shows what you are capable of doing and how. Furthermore, you should try to network yourself and not wait to be found. Follow the pages of organisations that are of interest to you and try to get in contact by, for example, commenting on a post published by the organisation.
However, all of these things might still not be helpful if you do not engage regularly. It is very important that you keep your profile up to date and do not rely on a great recommendation that was posted two years ago. If you do not have the time to “look after” your profile it might be better to not have a profile at all, as it does not show your full potential; just imagine you will be overlooked (or not be found in the first place) only because you’ve missed (or did not bother) to mention the skills that your future employer might be searching for.
If you follow the tips outlined above, you are definitely on the right track toward improving your employability!
Apply now – applications close 28 February
If you want to apply for our 2015 graduate training scheme, you can still do so until Saturday, 28 February 2015. Head over to our graduate recruitment site for further information.
If you’ve got any questions around the application process, please leave a comment below. You can also contact our recruitment team by email, via our Facebook page, or on Twitter.