The whole world lives their lives between their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts these days.
For many, it is an easy and effective way of keeping in touch while also incorporating some invaluable networking opportunities.
This is especially important for those wishing to stay ahead of the curve in all trends related to the accounting industry.
But do accountants really need to network as much as, say, a freelance writer? Absolutely, says Nina Guthrie, director of recruiting at Grant Thorton Recruiting.
She says everyone from the college student to the seasoned professional should have an online social media presence.
Ah...
but here is the trick.
It is all about balance.
It is also about what to include and more importantly, what not to include on your Facebook profile or Twitter bio.
One leading career counsellor says that there are very definitive lines that we must use to separate the professional face we wish others to see and the more social sides of our lives.
It is important to keep those distinctions, especially considering the presence social media has in our lives.
For instance, want to maintain a Facebook profile for uploading photos of family and friends while also using it to plan the upcoming weekend? Don't include it in your business dealings.
Fair warning, though; many employers, whether or not a potential accounting employee includes it in his resume or not, will often make a beeline for Facebook.
While they're not trying to discern whether or not you enjoy golf or boating and how many shots of whiskey you had last weekend, they are looking for that balance that every accountant strives for.
They want to know you are using proper grammar, that you are not a vulgar sexist who is posting tasteless and rude jokes or links and they also want to see what you present to the world in terms of your personality and those nuances that define who we are.
If you are going to have a Facebook page for the more laid back side of who you are, and still be taken seriously in the role of a business accountant, you absolutely must dedicate some quality time and attention to your LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn is to professionals what Facebook is to teens, college students and families wanting to see those photos of the latest family reunion.
Not only that, but to date, there are more than 60 million professionals registered on the LinkedIn network.
It is growing as fast, if not faster, than its' Facebook counterpart.
Another important consideration is keeping your profile current with relevant information.
A stale profile, especially on LinkedIn, is akin to having no profile at all.
There are many associations for professional accountants within the LinkedIn network.
It's a superb way to stay current and connected.
Many have landed public accounting jobs due to their networking efforts.
With more large and small accounting firms turning to these sites, it's as important as your career coach or your resume.
In fact, you can even upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile.
In a tough economic climate, incorporating every advantage available is crucial for the accounting industry and those looking to build their careers in this field.
For many, it is an easy and effective way of keeping in touch while also incorporating some invaluable networking opportunities.
This is especially important for those wishing to stay ahead of the curve in all trends related to the accounting industry.
But do accountants really need to network as much as, say, a freelance writer? Absolutely, says Nina Guthrie, director of recruiting at Grant Thorton Recruiting.
She says everyone from the college student to the seasoned professional should have an online social media presence.
Ah...
but here is the trick.
It is all about balance.
It is also about what to include and more importantly, what not to include on your Facebook profile or Twitter bio.
One leading career counsellor says that there are very definitive lines that we must use to separate the professional face we wish others to see and the more social sides of our lives.
It is important to keep those distinctions, especially considering the presence social media has in our lives.
For instance, want to maintain a Facebook profile for uploading photos of family and friends while also using it to plan the upcoming weekend? Don't include it in your business dealings.
Fair warning, though; many employers, whether or not a potential accounting employee includes it in his resume or not, will often make a beeline for Facebook.
While they're not trying to discern whether or not you enjoy golf or boating and how many shots of whiskey you had last weekend, they are looking for that balance that every accountant strives for.
They want to know you are using proper grammar, that you are not a vulgar sexist who is posting tasteless and rude jokes or links and they also want to see what you present to the world in terms of your personality and those nuances that define who we are.
If you are going to have a Facebook page for the more laid back side of who you are, and still be taken seriously in the role of a business accountant, you absolutely must dedicate some quality time and attention to your LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn is to professionals what Facebook is to teens, college students and families wanting to see those photos of the latest family reunion.
Not only that, but to date, there are more than 60 million professionals registered on the LinkedIn network.
It is growing as fast, if not faster, than its' Facebook counterpart.
Another important consideration is keeping your profile current with relevant information.
A stale profile, especially on LinkedIn, is akin to having no profile at all.
There are many associations for professional accountants within the LinkedIn network.
It's a superb way to stay current and connected.
Many have landed public accounting jobs due to their networking efforts.
With more large and small accounting firms turning to these sites, it's as important as your career coach or your resume.
In fact, you can even upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile.
In a tough economic climate, incorporating every advantage available is crucial for the accounting industry and those looking to build their careers in this field.
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