Dear Student Affairs Candidate
I’m thinking of you as conference season is upon us. NASPA, TPE, OPE, ACPA are all just around the corner. It’s a beautiful thing when talent hits opportunity and all your academic and practical experience finds a home in your first or next professional position. I wish all of you the very best and offer the preparation advice* below for your consideration. Take what you want, leave your words of wisdom in the comments, and follow the hyperlinks and google your questions for further insights. Most of all, bring your best self, maximize the opportunities and own your choices.
- Your twitter name is the name you use and are known by or the closest possible available option
- Your avatar is a quality headshot- smiling face, professional attire, you by yourself- no pets,peeps,toys or tots
- Your bio reflects your brand and maximizes the 160 characters
- You’ve inserted your LinkedIn address as your website
- When you choose to tweet…
- Tweet who you are: engage, add value, build relationships, repeat
- RT great content, celebrate & applaud the accomplishments of others, be generous, connect others
- Don’t tweet about the number of interviews high or low that you’ve been offered. We are looking to hire quality candidates who are engaged in selective, purposeful searches.
- Don’t tweet about your rejections-we’ve all been there and we’re sorry but telling the world that you’ve received rejection #22 is not productive
- Avoid too much” I, me, my, mine, more about me” tweets and tweeting about yourself in the third person- including creating you centered hashtags, or twitter names and bios that include guru, expert, king, queen, or princess of power
- Your email name is the name you use or the closest possible available option
- If you currently hold a position at a university your search email is not your university work email
- Your reply signature to search related inquires includes the same address information found on your resume/coverletter (non-work phone with professional voicemail message)
-LinkedIn is so Much More than a collection of business cards…
- Your LinkedIn account is 100% complete, real name, professional (looking) headshot
- You have 3-7 endorsements –short well written statements that speak specifically to your achievements, skills, and talents
- Your LinkedIn invitations are extended to people you know and who know you
- You replace the standard LinkedIn invitation with a personalized message every time
- Download & learn to use the CardMunch App on your iPhone
So much more to say and add…please share your suggestions in the comment section.
*Is any advice really original? Someone fabulous shared much of the above with me and it’s worked for me…choose what works for you and move forward with positive intent.
“Remember who you are & what you represent.” ~Bob Stewart 1988
My Best~ Teri
