Job Seekers Should Beef Up Online Presence to Attract Employers

ATLANTA -- The unemployment rate in Georgia is at 9.3 percent and that means a lot of folks are probably looking for work.

There's no doubt many job seekers have printed copies of their resume at the ready. But in the digital age that might not be enough.

Recruiters say job seekers should consider their online presence as they embark on their job search. People should be active on social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook and consider creating their own websites to showcase their skills.

"You are what Google says you are, so why not be in control of what Google says?" said Jenny DeVaughn, a senior talent consultant at Talent Connections. "Why not create content online through many free websites so that when an employer does Google your name there are great accomplishments that are written, there are great things online that they're finding out about you and there's motivation to hire you."

There are a number of free tools for job seekers that are available online:

Wix.com will help you create your own website with easy-to-use tools.

HubSpot.com will help you create a personal profile to link interested employers to your various social networking profiles.

Google.com/profiles will also help you create a "landing page" all about you, your accomplishments and links to your other sites.

TwitterJobSearch.com and TwitterJobCast.com will help you find jobs that have been posted online.

Jenny DeVaughn suggests the following online resources for job seekers:

http://twoogle.com (Search Twitter and Google at the same time to research hiring managers, etc)

http://www.weddles.com/associations (Find professional organizations in your targeted industry or profession. Attend their next event.)

http://namechk.com (Check for the availability of your user name or handle.)

http://contxts.com/about (Create a text message with your contact information - virtual business card.)