Thinking off the page

We have reported on this blog a few times about the value of using tools like LinkedIn and Twitter to help get a virtual step up in the job hunting world but there are still so many people who use a paper based CV to approach a prospective employer...

A BBC report from 16th January explores Virtual Job Hunting and highlights one individual who successfully took his CV off the page and onto screen!

Not all of you will be too comfortable in front of a camera so here are some other ideas on how to get yourself noticed...

Not only can you use social networking (we can't stress this enough! 5% of all jobs are now found in this way), but there are such places you can host your CV online too.

First lets look at the basics: Get your CV right, fill it with the information you need to tell an employer about. Write it down. Then put it online (Monster and LinkedIn are still great ways to get the attention of head hunters and recruiters).

Next think about developing your CV from the conventional and consider more design based or interactive CV's.  Think of your CV like a fashionista's outfit! You don't need to be in uniform...

Now, here comes the exciting bit. Promote yourself. Web pages like About.me can help provide you a platform to create an online business card. Add links at the end of your emails to drive traffic to it. The more forward looking you are, the more chance you have of being in the right place at the right time!

Some ideas on the perfect CV:
Create a dynamic online CV with Innovate CV
Examples of the standard CV in many different designs spotted on JobMog blog.

So, if all of this seems too easy, or maybe you are doing it already, maybe today is the day you take the plunge and make a video too!

Have you had a recent success? How did you do it? Share all of your stories, good and bad with us here.

In the meantime, if you would like more advice on getting your CV in order and how to prepare for an interview contact us for a FREE copy of our GradGuide2010.