Millennials are often accused of losing their interpersonal skills because they depend on technology for too much. Regardless of what critics may say, technology and social networking play an important role in our futures in many ways. Millennials should take to their social networking sites not only to create larger networks, but also to showcase their skills for prospective employers.

Some websites are more directly associated with professional development. The most prominent website for such uses is LinkedIn, however Millennials should take advantage of Facebook, Twitter and blogging sites to market themselves as well.

Create a social resume.

In 2012, 92 percent of employers reported using social media for recruiting, according to OnlineColleges.com. Websites like LinkedIn make it easier than ever for users to showcase their industry-related experiences, projects and connections. However, there are a plethora of other websites that allow users to create different types of curricula vitae. More creative individuals may use ResumeSocial.com or VisualCV.com while more traditional individuals could turn their blogs into CVs using WordPress, Tumblr, or Typepad. Here are some examples.

Engage in professional conversations.

Whether it leads to taking part in Twitter chats or participating in conversations in LinkedIn groups, these activities will increase users’ visibility in their respective networks. Though Facebook is often used for social interactions, becoming involved in professional conversations on the site could also yield visibility to hiring employers. LinkedIn offers groups specifically for individuals seeking jobs in certain industries–join and participate in a group that pertains to your profession.

Participate in industry-related activities.

Actively seek job listings, conferences and chats using hashtags on Twitter and Facebook. Remember that each post you publish represents who you are through your online presence. Share thoughtful comments related to your field of interest and offer valuable input to conversations as such. The more active users are in specific topics, the more likely they are to create networks who can share employment opportunities.

Create a professional blog.

Sometimes Twitter’s 140 characters merely aren’t enough to express your ideas and opinions on specific industry-related topics. Your blog can double as an e-portfolio or social resume. This platform allows individuals to present their communication skills and work experience. Blogs are jobseekers’ way of creating relevant, interesting and unique information about themselves. Check out these great examples:

• Words to Good Effect
• Gary Vaynerchuk
• Moz
• The Smart Passive Income
• CopyBlogger

Engage with influencers.

Use LinkedIn influencer profiles to monitor industry-specific updates and innovations. Tweet at big name professionals in your field. Follow blogs of leading individuals in your industry. These different channels of social media will not only provide you with the most recent news in your specific area of interest, but also prepare you with valuable talking points at your next interview or networking event. Lastly, creating connections with influencers in your field could help you down the road.

The Internet provides endless opportunities for Millennials to showcase their valuable experiences, skills, and passion relevant to their careers. With so many resources literally available at their fingertips, Millennials should begin to think creatively about marketing their assets online. While doing so, Millennials should be careful not to plagiarize, badmouth former employers, or repeatedly post about controversial topics.

Use the Internet to your advantage to contact future employers in new, creative ways. Create video or photo resumes, design your own logo and showcase your passion through personalized posts. The age of online recruiting is on the rise and Millennials can beat the curve by creatively showcasing themselves through various platforms.

Natasha Paulmeno

Natasha Paulmeno is an aspiring PR professional studying at the University of Maryland. She is learning to speak Spanish fluently through travel, music, and school. In her spare time she enjoys Bachata music, playing with her dog, and exploring social media trends. Contact Natasha at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

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Happy Holidays Law Street readers!!!

Have you missed me?  It’s only been two weeks, but it feels like a month has gone by since I’ve checked in.  No need to DTR –I know in my heart we’re exclusive.

As I was exploring the crevices of my bag of emotions, I came across a bit of news about the platform that I use to communicate on here, WordPress. WordPress is the conduit through which material is posted to the site you see before you. Side note: I know that I don’t give copyright law a lot of my love so this one is for you, girl.

The company that owns WordPress, Automattic, has proclaimed its intentions to sue Straight Pride UK, an anti-homosexual group for “knowingly materially misrepresenting” a copyright infringement claim. Yep, that’s a crime. It all began in August, when Straight Pride utilized the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to issue a takedown notice to Automattic for material that was posted on the blogging site. The material consisted of an interview given by the anti-gay collective to a student journalist, Oliver Hotham. Hotham then posted the interview to his blog, which had been delivered to him via Straight Pride’s press representative in an attachment titled “Press Release.” Straight Pride claims that the interview was instead intended to be a private release and included a notice that the content was not permitted to be reproduced without consent. Automattic originally complied with Straight Pride’s takedown notice (the DMCA mandates such action to avoid further suit), but announced this past Thursday that enough is enough. In a recent blog post, Paul Sieminski, general counsel for Automattic, noted that these censorship actions have become “increasingly common” and are especially “infuriating.” Thank you, Paul.

Here’s what I think. Blog sites, such as these, need to put those cojones on display every so often.  The DMCA serves to protect copyrightable material, not to stifle unbecoming content so that it never sees the light of day. It wasn’t meant to chill speech but rather to provide incentive for authors to share their expressions with the public. It seems to me that this material was given to Hotham willingly and that it also falls under the fair use provision of the Copyright Act allowing for the reproduction of content for comment or criticism.  The DMCA shouldn’t be used as a vehicle to trample over our First Amendment rights! If bloggers have to post in fear of legal action, the purpose of blogging – sharing reviews on material that’s usually already public – will be muted. Of course, certain legal parameters must be in place to maintain a sense of order just as we have in our physical lives, but where is the line drawn? When does protection morph into suppression?

My only issue with this is that I wish the notion of ceasing internet censorship would have been brought up on a less politically polarizing matter. I fear that the issue of censorship will get lost among the gay rights activists’ amicus briefs. I’m not at all implying that gay rights is not paramount to censorship (because I honestly believe it is) but even now I’m finding myself getting lost in between the rock and hard place that these two issues present. They should be flushed out in turn and on their own merits.

Read the entire complaint against Straight Pride here.

Gena.

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Featured image courtesy of [Armando Torrealba via Flickr]

Gena Thomas

Gena Thomas, a recent graduate of Howard University School of Law, was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, she enjoys watching scary movies and acquiring calories from chocolates of all sorts. Contact Gena at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

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