Archive for December, 2011

Facebook is the second most popular website, just after Google. There are over 800 million active users out of which 300 million daily spend at least twenty minutes per day on Facebook. It is very popular and users tend to spend a lot of time on it as compared to other social networking sites. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Labor expects that Facebook may soon become a strong tool for job search.

Finding a job through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin is a great idea. Online college students prefer to use Facebook for job search as it is a convenient way to search for a job from the comfort of your home. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Online students should consider a few things while using social networking sites for job search.

Here are 5 smart tips for recent graduates and online students to use Facebook strategically to get hired.

1. Improve Your Online Reputation

Prospective employers and HR managers will view your profile and can see all your status updates, photos, videos and groups. Therefore, if you want to make a good impression on recruiters, remove any inappropriate pictures or content that can potentially hinder your prospects of getting hired. Make sure that your current profile is such that it makes a positive impression on potential employers.

2. Network and Interact with Companies

Students who have successfully completed their online degree programs and are looking for employment opportunities at a specific company should join their page on Facebook. This will give them a great opportunity to interact with the company. All corporations want candidates who are passionate about their organizations and grads can show their passion by being active on those Facebook pages. Students can also use Facebook to professionally contact recruiters, HR managers, and employers.

3. Participate and Get Active in Facebook Groups

After completing your online education, you can join professional groups on Facebook which discuss and post news about particular topics, or industries that you are interested in. By joining such professional groups you can actively participate in discussions, post links and other resources to the wall, moderate or manage sections of the group and so on. Participating in professional groups will create a positive impression on the minds of recruiters and prospective employers. Facebook groups can be used to network with and get noticed by professional corporations and could lead to you being considered for future job opportunities.

4. Tap into your Network to Find a Job

Facebook provides inexhaustible resources and connections for job seekers. College students and recent grads are advised to approach networking on Facebook as a way to get more information about an industry by messaging and engaging with employees and industry leaders. Building a strong personal network on Facebook platform will help you in your job search.

5. Build Strong Online Relations

It is important to build a strong online relation with relevant industry players who can advise you about your job search and will remember you for future career opportunities. Using Face book as an online platform for job hunting will show prospective employers and recruiters that you have interest and knowledge in your chosen field and are eager to improve your skills.

The social network can be a strong medium for finding employment. Did Facebook help you get hired? Please share your experience with us.

Online students: what are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2012? If you need help finding suggestions then you’re in the right place.

Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for College Students

How often do you make New Year’s resolutions that you stick to? Most New Year’s resolutions are broken in the first few weeks because they are not realistic. The very first thing you want to do is to make sure that your goals are realistic and not too difficult to accomplish. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting career goals that you know are too difficult to handle. Start off small the first year, and then increase the next.

New Year’s Resolution Wish List

When you set realistic goals, you are much more likely to stick to them. Make a list of all your New Year’s resolutions, then pick only a few easy ones that you can accomplish.

Here are some useful suggestions to add to your New Year’s Resolutions list as an online student:

• Get an extra hour of sleep every night by going to bed early.
• Spend an hour each day reviewing your notes and class material.
• Participate more in online discussions.
• Connect with other classmates.
• Don’t stay out too late on school nights.
• Spend less time watching TV.
• Spend a little less time socializing on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace
• Join online networking groups.
• Complete projects and assignments on time.
• Get up early for study online exams.
• Do your laundry more often.
• Don’t miss too much class time.
• Eat breakfast every day.
• Stay away from negative people.
• Cut back on buying unnecessary items.
• Use less credit.
• Eat healthier.
• Exercise more often.
• Get a study partner
• Sign on to your online classroom daily.

Are New Year’s Resolutions Attainable?

It all depends on what you want to accomplish and the time-frame you have. Unrealistic goals are not going to help you get to where you want to be, there are many career opportunities so make sure you pick things that are attainable. Only you know what you are capable of doing and achieving.

These are just a few simple New Year’s Resolutions that you can start off with. Don’t push yourself too hard or else you’ll get overwhelmed and will give up. Start with the easy things first, then advance to the ones that are a little more difficult to accomplish.

Do add on to the wish list by posting your suggestions in the comments below.

Happy New Year!

What do you do when the holiday season coincides with your online exams? Do you enjoy the holiday season, then study for the exam or do you do a little bit of both? Here are 10 simple tips to manage the holiday season with looming exam deadlines.

1. Study on a Regular Basis.

Do you set aside a specific time to study each day or do you wait until the very last minute to study for your online exams? If you study on a regular basis you’re in good shape. You should be able to enjoy the holiday season without stressing about exams.

2. Study for Each Class.

For every hour of time you spend in class you’ll need to study at least an hour, to an hour and a half for each class. Top online degrees from accredited universities require as much effort as traditional degrees do, so make sure you give your studies the time it deserves.

3. Go Over Your Class Notes Immediately After Each Class.

If you review your notes right after your class it will help you understand the lesson better. Come test time, you won’t have to study so hard.

4. Prepare a Study Schedule.

Make a study schedule and stick to it even during the holiday season. Take breaks in between to relax your mind and to spend time with your family and friends.

5. Find a Quiet Spot To Study.

This way you can concentrate on your studies and not get distracted by noise. Make sure the place you choose is comfortable and well-lit.

6. Organize Your Study Material.

Keep all your notes and study material close by so that you don’t waste time searching for them. The habit of organizing yourself and your life is a very important habit to inculcate and one that will help you immensely when you go out in the real world looking for career opportunities.

7. Do Your Holiday Shopping Early.

Don’t wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. Shop early so that you don’t get too exhausted and tired to study.

8. Maintain a Balance.

This is the season to visit friends and family and to have fun. However, know when to say goodbye so that you can go home and hit the books.

9. Study a Little Every Day.

If you study a little bit every day you’ll have more time to participate in the holiday festivities.

10. Relax!

Remember you are doing all this to have a wonderful online degree career but it doesn’t hurt to let your hair down once in a while and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.

Do you have anything else to add to the list? Do let us know.