Tokyo : If you plan on entering Japan’s jobs market you can gain an advantage by building an online profile, according to recruiting experts Hays in Japan.

Jonathan Sampson, Regional Director of Hays in Japan, says a positive social media presence is of huge value when it comes to your career success.

“Social media is becoming an increasingly important tool to source candidates, and even where candidates are acquired through other means, more and more global companies are using sites such as LinkedIn to research candidates who have applied to their vacancies in Japan,” he says.

“It is therefore important for jobseekers to keep an up-to-date relevant profile so that prospective employers can find out more about you. This gives you a better chance of being contacted when you apply for jobs.

“Given that it is still relatively uncommon for candidates in Japan to consider social networking services when looking for a new job, creating a strong social media profile will put you ahead of other candidates. It allows you to showcase your marketable skills and previous experience. It’s also an essential way to enhance your reputation: crucial when more employers are searching social networks for insights into the candidates they’re considering hiring,” says Jonathan.

Hays’ advice to build a positive online profile

According to Hays, to build and manage the positive online profile your ambitions deserve, there are two golden rules: be smart and be careful.

Be smart:

— Use social media as a showcase for your expertise and achievements;

— Be social and connect with companies, recruiters and industry leaders;

— Be engaged by joining discussions and industry groups and post links to interesting articles;

— Add contacts and accomplishments regularly, not just when job hunting;

— Look the part: choose a recent and professional profile photo;

— Stay up-to-date by searching online and deleting any old accounts or information.

 

Be careful:

Think about what you share and where. If it’s something you wouldn’t want a new employer to see, don’t post it;

Consider creating separate personal and professional accounts;

Make sure your online profile and offline CV match;

If you can’t always be professional, adjust your security settings so only your private network can see your personal information;

Check privacy settings regularly so you know what’s going public in your name;

Always keep your current employer’s social media policy in mind.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

Source : ACN Newswire