Alegup Strategies, Inc.

Quick Fix To Two Unassuming Resume Mistakes

2010-07-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

A resume is a one to two page document that employers use to evaluate a job candidate’s employment experience and qualification. It also provides the employer with a first impression of the job candidate. Fine-tune your resume with two quick unassuming fixes that communicate your professionalism and interest in the position.

Use an appropriate email address

Provide potential employers with an appropriate email address for contact purposes. Emails such as mac_daddy@anyemail.com or 2sexy4u@anyemail.com might have lots of flair and personality, but it is NOT what an employer is looking for. Create a proper email such as jaime.myers@anyemail.com or jmyers@anyemail.com and let your personality shine through when you meet in person during the interview.

Leave a proper voice mail greeting

During the job search process, the next call you receive can be from your future employer. If you are not available to take the call, make sure to leave a short and appropriate voice mail greeting that informs the caller that they have reached the intended person. As your voice greeting is probably the first contact the employer has with you, be confident and in good spirits when you leave your greeting. Advice: stand up while you record your greeting to help you with the tone of your voice.

In an economy where unemployment is the highest it has been in years, employers have a large number of qualified candidates to choose from. Do not provide an employer any excuse to discard your resume; make the appropriate resume changes to reflect a persona appropriate for your employment. Until next time…

Purchasing Airline Tickets - Factors Often Forgotten

2010-06-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Selecting a flight with the cheapest airfare seems like the obvious choice, but is it? How much money and time is actually saved by purchasing the cheapest option? Before you purchase that airline ticket, consider the following overlooked factors to help you save time, money, and undue travel stress.

Taxes and Fees

As you begin to research flights, make sure that the prices between travel companies are comparable; one travel website might offer a significant discount over another until you realize that the displayed airfare is the same when all applicable taxes and fees are included.

Baggage Fees

As most airlines charge their customers $20 to $30 for the first piece of checked baggage and possibly more for each addition piece of baggage checked-in, flying cheap might seem like a thing of the past. The fees airlines charge for checked baggage should be a consideration when booking your next flight. To avoid these costly baggage fees altogether, maximize your carry-on allowance by packing light. Lastly, and if time allows, consider mailing your baggage to your destination to save some money and travel hassles.

Layover Flights

A flight with a layover is generally cheaper than a direct flight from your point of departure to your destination. This cheaper flight might seem like the obvious choice when booking your trip, but it can be at the cost of travel delays and additional stress. For instance, as airline carriers struggle to arrive flights on time, travelers with layovers may miss their connecting flights. When booking flights with layovers, consider the following factors:

Time is lost deplaning (add more time the further back you are seated in the plane)
Time is lost in transition to your next departure gate, as gate changes do happen frequently (add more time if you are in a large airport with separate terminals that require walking a long distance or require the use of a tram)
Most airlines close the boarding process several minutes (5 to 10 minutes) prior to departure, allowing for on-time departure regardless of whether you are present or not.
If/When you make your next flight, are you sure that the baggage you checked is on the same flight?

By reviewing these commonly overlooked factors you can save money, time and undue travel frustration. Happy Trails! Until next time…

Debit vs Credit Cards

2010-06-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Debit cards and credit cards provide a convenience that make paying for products or services fast and easy, but that is where the similarities end. As plastic quickly becomes the standard for payment, it becomes increasingly important to understand some of the key differences between debit and credit card use.

DEBIT/CHECK CARD

A debit card is linked to your bank checking account. When a purchase is made using your debit card, money is immediately withdrawn from your account unless funds are not readily available.

Opening an Account - It is relatively easy to open a bank account. Typically, proof of identity (multiple forms), a minimum deposit, and a signature is all that is needed.

Protection - Most banks offer little to no security; purchase protection, account disputes, and liability is unlimited when using debit cards.

Fees – Fee structure is relatively simple and transparent since purchases you make are limited to the funds available in your bank account.

Cash Withdrawal - Universally accepted at ATMs for easy cash withdrawals of up to your daily limit.

Credit Score - Does not help with your credit score or credit history.

CREDIT CARD

A credit card account provides an immediate and temporary loan up to the account holder’s available credit limit. A huge benefit of using a credit card is the ability to delay payment of a purchase until the balance is due; purchase is free of interest when the balance is paid in full each month.

Opening an Account - It has become more difficult to open a new credit card account after the passing of the Credit Card Act of 2009. In addition, high annual fees and high interest rates usually accompany new accounts.

Protection - Protection is provided in the form of usage from theft, warranties and travel insurance. Liability is limited and covered by the credit card companies.

Fees – Credit cards have a very complicated fee structure. Numerous fees (late fees, over-the credit-limit fees, cash advance fees, etc) and finance charges coupled with the potential to spend more than you have the ability to repay each month can quickly result in overspending and hefty fees.

Cash Withdrawal - Cash advances can be made for immediate cash withdrawal up to the account’s cash advance limit, but heavy finance charges are immediately assessed for this convenience. In addition, fees can range up to 5% to 10% of the cash advance (e.g. $20 fee for a $200 cash withdrawal)

Credit Score – Maintaining a credit card is the fastest way to establish credit score and build credit history. Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score; making payments on time quickly demonstrates responsibility.

As most banks offer their customers a debit card and/or a credit card, it becomes important to understand the differences between a debit card and credit card; the more you know, the more effective you will be in managing your finances. Until next time…

Lost/Stolen Personal Identification

2010-05-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

While on vacation this Memorial Day Weekend or sometime in the near future, your experiences can quickly turn sour with the realization that you no longer have your personal identification. Easily minimize the emotional trauma accompanying a lost or stolen ID by taking the following precautionary steps prior to your trip.

ID Photocopy
In advance of your travels, make a photocopy of your ID (driver’s license, passport, and/or birth certificate) and travel with this copy separate of where you would keep your ID. For example, keep a copy of your ID in your bag while you hold onto your wallet and ID.

ID Email Attachment
A better safety measure would be to scan a copy of your ID and then email the attachment to your personal email address. In the event that you should find yourself without an ID during your travels, you can simply go to any computer with internet access and a printer to retrieve your ID printout.

File a Police Report and/or Contact Nearest US Embassy
In addition to preparing a copy of your ID, immediately file and obtain a copy of a police report. The police report will serve as a timestamp and provide verification of your claim should you need to provide any evidence. Furthermore, while traveling abroad, the US Embassy can provide you with a replacement passport or a conditional passport with supporting documentation.

Although there are no steadfast rules provided by TSA or the airline companies with regards to traveling without an ID, your chances of getting through airport security and boarding your return flight will be greatly increased with a copy of your ID and a police report. Safe travels! Until next time…

Fashion Do's and Don'ts

2010-05-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

First impressions are created not only from the initial introduction, but also from our appearance; what we wear says a lot about who we are. The following fashion rules should clear up some common wardrobe questions and mistakes people make when preparing for an office interview or starting a new office job.

Situation - Dress appropriately for the each situation. If you are unsure of what to wear, just ask. It is better to err on the side of dressing up rather than dressing down.

Fit - Clothes should fit your body type (shape and size).

Color - Don't overdo it with too many colors; one or two is fine.

Condition - Your clothes should be pressed and neat. Dress shoes should always be polished and shined.

Impression - Have people take you, your work, and your experiences seriously; dress modestly and allow your work to make the biggest impression.

Socks - Color of your socks should match the color of your pants.

Belt - Color of your belt should match the color of your dress shoes. Belts are not always necessary if the pants fit well.

Tie - End of the tie should extend down to the middle of your belt. Novelty ties should be avoided.

Shoes - Color of your dress shoes should match the color of your belt and the general color of your outfit; black is the standard.

Suit Blazer/Sport Coat

Jackets should be unbuttoned and open when seated.
Never button the bottom button.
2 Button Coat/Jacket - Always button the top button unless seated.
3 Button Coat/Jacket - Always button the middle button unless seated; the top button is optional.
Double-Breasted Coat - Always button the middle button.

Accessories - Only accessorize to compliment your outfit; this is not the time to make a statement.

Men – A watch is the only accessory you should wear.
Women – Earrings and necklace should not be big, loud, and flashy; be understated with your accessories.

What you wear makes an immediate impression, but how you wear your clothes is just as important; it says the most about who you are. Show confidence by standing straight and tall, smiling and making friendly eye contact. If followed, these fashion rules will allow you and your abilities, not your clothes, to garner all the attention. Until next week...

Tipping at a Restaurant – Part II: Using Math to Calculate Tips

2010-05-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

In part II, we will focus this week's blog on five easy ways to calculate tips. Be sure to read up on our blog from last week.

Quick reminder: tips are calculated on the pretax meal total; if you have a discount or a coupon, tip on what the pre-discounted meal total would be. Although it is not essential to be exact, try to err on your server’s side by rounding up your calculations.

Method #1 – Double (2x) the Tax

It may be frustrating to pay for taxes when they are as high as 10.25%, but high tax rates can make calculating tips really easy. This method is useful only if the tax rate is near half of what you would like to leave your server.

San Francisco and Seattle = 9.5%

Double the taxed amount from $7.13 to $14.26; a nice 19% tip for your server.

Washington, DC = 10%

Double the taxed amount $7.50 to $15.00; a nice 20% tip for your server.

Oregon = 0%

Doubling the sales tax would not work in a state where there is no sales tax or in a state where doubling the sales tax rate is less than what you would like to leave your server. If you find yourself in this situation, try the second method.

Method #2 – Quickly Calculate a 20% or 15% Tip

The following are ways to help you quickly calculate a 20% or 15% tip without having to do much calculation or resorting to a calculator

20% - First calculate 10% of your meal. Then double the 10% total to provide your server with 20% tip. Example: Your meal = $60.78

Step 1) 10% = $6.08 (From $60.78, move the decimal over to the left)
Step 2) 20% = $12.16 (Double $6.08 or $6.08 x 2)

15% - First calculate 10% of your meal. Then halve the 10% amount to give you 5%. Finally, add the halved amount to the 10% amount. Example: Your meal = $61.00

Step 1) 10% = $6.10 (From $60.78, move the decimal over to the left)
Step 2) 5% = $3.05 (Halve $6.10 or $6.10/2)
Step 3) 15% = $9.15 ($6.10 + $3.05 or 10% + 5% amount)

Method #3 – Rough Estimate

Sometimes a situation comes up requiring you to quickly estimate a fair tip. The following will allow you to do so quickly and easily.

$2 tip for every $10 spent leaving your server a 20% tip
$1.50 tip for every $10 spent leaving your server a 15% tip
$1 tip for every $10 spent leaving your server a 10% tip

Example: If you want to tip your server 20% on a $48 meal, round up and leave $10 (or $2 x 5 ($50/$10).

Method #4 – Use a Calculator

Most mobile phones have a calculator application. Use your calculator to quickly calculate the exact tip. Example: Your meal = $34.56; Tax rate = 18%

Step 1) Input $34.56, then press the multiply function (x)
Step 2) Input 18 (or the intended tip rate) immediately followed by pressing the percent function (%) **
Step 3) Press Enter to get $6.22, the calculated tip result

** Pressing the % function key may calculate the actual tip amount; otherwise pressing the % function key will simply convert the percentage into decimal form in which case you will need to continue to the last step.

Method #5– Phone Application

With the introduction of web and application enabled phones, it is very likely that a tip calculating application exists. “There’s an app for just about anything.” - Apple

Using any of the methods provided will quickly give you the confidence to calculate tips the next time you dine out. Try it out and have fun with it. Until next week…

Tipping at a Restaurant - Part 1: Things You Probably Didn’t Know

2010-04-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Definition - Tip : A tip is a sum of money that given as a reward for one’s actions and is a shortened acronym of TIPS = “To Insure Prompt Service”

After dinner service most people give very little thought and attention when tipping the server. The following is some information you might not have known and will allow you to better evaluate a fair and equitable tip the next time you dine out.

True or False: If the quality of your food was poor, leaving a meager tip shows your dissatisfaction.

FALSE. A tip is given in consideration of the actual service provided by your server. Actions that are immediately and directly affected by the server should be evaluated for the tip; attentiveness (knowing when you are ready to order or ready to receive the check), professionalism, hospitality and friendliness, and accuracy (how well your order is carried out). However, a terrible dining experience can be the result of problems outside your server’s control; servers have no direct control over the quality and presentation of the food, the ambiance, décor, the other staff, or the other customers. It would not be fair to punish the server for the action or inaction of another individual by leaving a less than fair tip. If you have a problem with your service, it is best to talk to the restaurant manager where action can be taken to remedy the problem you encounter.

Is the tip calculated on the pretax amount or on the actual total (including taxes)?

Pretax. Technically, you would want to tip on the pretax subtotal, but the difference between tipping on the pretax subtotal or on total cost of the meal is minimal

If your entire meal was discounted by 50% and the adjusted total came out to $25, would you tip your server on the $25 total?

No. You would tip on the $50, the total cost of the meal prior to any discounts. The tip you leave should be calculated as a percentage of the total cost of the meal served before taxes area assessed. If you use a discount or coupon, the tip should be calculated on what the entire meal would have totaled; not the discounted meal total. Regardless of the applied discount, your server works just as hard taking and servicing every order. In the example above, assuming you were tipping your server 20%, you would leave a $10 tip ($10 = 20% of $50) and the total would amount to $35 ($35 = $25 discounted subtotal + $10 tip) taxes notwithstanding.

True or False: Servers make a lot of money since they are already paid at the state's minimum hourly wage and receive tips.

False. In general, servers are paid a low base wage (often significantly less than the regulated hourly wage minimum) with the assumption that they will earn more than the state minimums requirement after including what they make in tips. Without fair tips from their customers, most servers would not be able to earn enough to survive.

True or False: Servers share what they make in tips with other staff that assist them.

True. There is an assumption that servers take home the entire amount of the tip, but much of the tip servers receive are then shared with the food runners, bussers, and the bartender. Depending on the restaurant, all the tips might be pooled together and then split amongst everyone at the end of the day.

True or False: It doesn’t matter if I pay with a credit card or cash.

False. Try to leave a cash tip so your server would have immediately access to their money; oftentimes servers are paid a week or two later when credit cards are used for the check and tip. In addition, some restaurants subtract the credit card service fee from tips that the servers take home.

Is a tip expected when you order a meal for “take-out” from a full service restaurant? What about a buffet?

No and Yes (respectively). No, a tip is not necessary when you walk in and pick-up an order you placed for “take-out.” And yes, although the customer does most of the work at a buffet, it is still expected that you leave a 10% tip since the server does work to bus or clear your table.

True or False: If you have a large group, always tip generously.

True. With larger groups, the server works that much harder to provide the group with great service. However, it has become common practice for restaurants to automatically include a service or gratuity tip of 18% to your check for groups of 6 or more people (group size varies between restaurants). Before you include the tip for your server, make sure that you examine the check closely to see if the tip or gratuity has been included.

In the past you might have tipped automatically without thinking to where your tip goes or knowing the real purpose of why a customer would want to tip a server. Your servers really do appreciate your business...be a fair tipper for reasons you now know.

Next time, we will discuss several methods allowing you to calculate a tip with ease. Until next week…

First Impressions - The Introduction and Handshake

2010-04-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Head & shoulders, a shampoo brand, aired numerous commercials back in the day with the slogan, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That statement is just as important today as it was back then. With so many factors contributing to a good first impression, we will focus this week’s advice on the self-directed initial introduction.

When you introduce yourself to someone for the first time, the following advice should serve as loose rules of engagement allowing you to make a good first impression.

Be Confident
Your body posture will convey confidence. Stand tall, not slouched. Hold your head up high; your gaze should not be down at the ground. Make good eye contact as you introduce yourself.

Be Friendly and Courteous
Smile; a smile conveys genuine interest in meeting the other person. Be courteous of the other person’s personal space by maintaining a comfortable distance of 18 inches.

Speak Clearly
Speak clearly and deliberately by providing the other person with your first and last name. Reassure the other person that you heard them correctly by repeating their name. Example: “It’s very nice to meet you Jonathon.” Repeating their name will also allow you the additional benefit of remembering their name.

Execute a Good Firm Handshake
The handshake is a small gesture, but an important one. Offer and extend your right hand until the webbing between the thumb and the index finger of both hands meet; if executed correctly the thumbs should interlock and your grip should be on the hand, and not the fingers, of the other person. The handshake should be firm; a weak (sometimes referred to as a “limp fish” or “dead fish” handshake) or a crushing handshake sends the wrong message. Finally, the handshake maintain good rhythm lasting for no more than 3 to 4 seconds.

Note: If you tend to get nervous or have sweaty hands, carry a handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hand prior to the handshake. Think about how the other person might feel shaking your sweaty hand.

You will probably meet and shake the hands of over a thousand new people in your lifetime. A little practice today will allow you to make a good first impression the next time you introduce yourself to someone new.

Until next week…

The First Paycheck - Uncle Sam's Little Surprise

2010-04-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

For those looking to start their first job this summer and with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) tax deadline for individuals due April 15th, it seems fitting that we explore how taxes affect how much we earn and how much we actually take home in the form of a paycheck.

As you start your first job, you will probably experience shock and dismay when you receive your first paycheck; you will quickly realize that what you earn and the amount you take home is not the same. For example, in anticipation of working the first 40 hours at a rate of $10 for every hour worked, you likely have plans on how you might spend the $400 paycheck when it arrives. However, $340 might be all you get to spend after all the necessary taxes and deductions are collected.

An Understanding:

Gross Pay = Money earned before any taxes and deductions are taken

Taxes and Deductions = Federal Withholding, State Taxes, Social Security, Medicare, etc

Net Pay = Money earned after all taxes and deductions are taken

Example:

Income taxes and paycheck deductions are collected at a specific rate based on how much you earn and your state of residency. The example above demonstrates mandatory deductions totaling 15% of your gross pay, but in the years to come you can expect to pay taxes and deductions totaling 25% or more of your gross pay as your earnings increase. Taxes are also collected on interest income, dividends earned, bonuses, and capital gains.

Income tax, sales tax, property tax, and tolls are examples of the many ways our government collects money to carry out the countless functions of government. Although we may not like having a portion of our earnings taken in form of a tax, money collected provides funding for the many services we utilize and/or take for granted; education, transportation, government salaries and pensions, law enforcement, waste management, road and infrastructure, national defense and safety, health care, social security, unemployment benefits, public utilities, economic infrastructure, tax collection, etc.

Nothing is certain, but death and taxes - Benjamin Franklin

Until next week…

How to Write a Check

2010-04-05T15:28:00.001-07:00

Using a check to pay for a product purchased or service rendered is just one of the many conveniences of a checking account holder. When you open a checking account, you may not know how to write out a check but knowing how to correctly and accurately write a check can eliminate confusion and, more importantly, prevent fraud. Below is an example of how a check is to be written out:

Illustration of a Typical Bank Check

Contents of a Bank Check

Illustration Footnote:

In Green (Provided by the Account Holder’s Bank)

1. Name of checking account holder
2. Check number for record keeping
3. Account holder’s bank
4. Routing number – Identifies the bank processing the check using MICR*

5. Bank account number – Identifies where funds are to be withdrawn from

* MICR = Magnetic Image Character Recognition codes

In Red (Portion of the Check to Be Completed)

1. Date the check was written

2. Person/company check is written to and is to be paid

3a. Amount Paid (Numerical - $)

3b. Amount Paid (Written - Dollars)

4. Reason for Writing the Check – Note to self or note of payment account number

5. Account Holder Signature – Permissions money to be withdrawn from account

Completed Bank Check

After reviewing the above and with some practice, you will soon have the confidence to write out a check with ease. Next time when rent is due, you just might find convenience in paying your landlord with a single check.

Until next time…

Dining Etiquette

2010-03-29T15:48:00.001-07:00

Personal etiquette is socially accepted behavior showing courtesy and respect to those around us. Since the vast majority of us have never received formal etiquette training, we tend to behave in ways that reflect our collective observations of others. Regardless of how we learned these behaviors, it is crucial that we correct bad habits and substitute proper etiquette for those important moments in our lives, such as: our wedding, a business lunch with potential clients, brunch with grandma, or dinner with the boss.

Etiquette can be applied to most social situations, but most often it is applied to meal times. Below I have outlined some fun tricks and tips for improving your personal etiquette:

Salt and Pepper

When asked to pass the salt or pepper, be sure to pass both the salt and pepper together, and when passing the salt and pepper, be sure not to reach across someone else without excusing yourself first.

Bread Plate and Water Glass

When eating at a fine dining establishment, you will have a bread plate and water glass placed on the top left and top right of your dinner plate. If you come across this situation, it’s hard to know which one is yours, and taking the wrong glass can offset the entire table. Here are two easy ways to eliminate confusion:

1) “BMW” – Use the acronym “BMW” to recall items on the table placed form the left to right; “B” for bread (on your left), “M” for meal (in the middle), and “W” for water (on your right)

2) “OK” – Hold up your two hands in front making the “OK” symbol with each hand created by touching your index finger and thumb together to make a circle while the remaining three fingers remain straight and pointed up. Each “OK” spells a letter; the left hand spells out the letter “b” while the right spells out the letter “d.” The “b” stands for bread indicating the bread plate on your left and the “d” stands for drink indicating the water glass on your right.

Napkins

When sitting down at the table, immediately unfold and place the napkin on your lap. Only when you leave the table should the napkin leave your lap. When leaving the table, loosely refold the napkin and place on the table just left of your dinner plate. Contrary to popular belief, the napkin should not be placed on the chair's seat nor on the chair's seat back.

With these new tricks and tips for dining etiquette, enjoy a worry-free experience and dine with confidence! Cheers!

Until next week…

Earth Hour - Sat, 3/27 @ 8:30PM (Local Time)

2010-03-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Can one person doing something so insignificant as switching off their lights really make a difference? Yes, especially if you summed up the efforts of millions doing the same thing.

This Saturday, March 27th at 8:30PM local time, switch off your lights for one hour. Make a difference. Make a statement that says you care.

"On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people around the world will come together to call for action on climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations." - myearthhour.org

Basics of Weight Loss and Gain

2010-03-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

With approximately 146 million overweight adults in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control (2005-2006), weight loss has become a multi-billion dollar profit making industry. With hundreds of diet programs, each touting the best program to help you achieve your weight loss goals, where do you start?

Most diet programs help you achieve weight loss in the short term, but a great majority of dieters will revert back to their old ways and put most, if not all, of the weight back on shortly thereafter. Diets fail because most people have trouble keeping to these programs. Losing weight and becoming healthy doesn't have to be hard and expensive when you understand the basics of how weight is gained.

Calories In vs. Calories Burned

To put it simply, you eat because your body needs fuel to get you through the day. Your body takes in what you eat and drink in the form of calories while the energy you exert going about your day (walking, breathing, chewing, etc) burns those calories. What you eat in excess of the amount of calories you burn will be stored as fat and thus the weight gain.

3,500 Calories = 1 Pound

Everyone’s caloric needs are different due to body type, gender, stress levels, and activity level, but as a general rule a typical daily caloric intake should be approximately 2,000 calories. However, when your caloric intake exceeds your body’s caloric needs or calories burned, you put on weight. For every 3,500 calories in excess of what your body needs, you will have gained about one extra pound of weight.

Example: If over the course of the day you consume 3,250 unhealthy calories from cereal, chips, soda, and pizza delivered to your home while you spend the day watching movies at home on the couch having burned less than 1,250 calories, you will have gained just over one-half a pound.

In essence losing weight is accomplished by making sure that you burn excess calories above and beyond what you take in. This can be achieved by 1) limiting or monitoring your caloric intake, 2) exercising and burning off excess calories, or 3) a combination of the above two.

The above provides a simple and basic explanation of how weight is gained and lost. It's easy to gain weight by eating in excess, but it'll take real effort and time to take that weight off. Hopefully this knowledge will provide you or those you know with a good foundation to turn out a healthier life.

Note: Outside of doctor or professional advisement or supervision like in the show “Biggest Loser”, it’s safest and most effective to lose your weight slowly…at a rate of one pound per week or burning an excess of 500 calories per day over the course of an entire week (or for a total of 3,500 calories per week).

Until next week…

Tip #1 - Your Online Presence: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2010-03-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Do you have an online presence? If you have an email address, you have the start of one. If you have a social networking account (MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn, etc), you definitely have one.

An online presence is a representation of who you are and how the world sees you on the internet. When 83% of potential employers research job candidates online and 43% of those potential employers have eliminated candidates based on search results, it's critical to make sure that their first impression of you is a good one.

Finding the right candidate is paramount. Employers invest a lot of time and money into their employees. And when hired, employees will represent the company and be an extension of the company outside the workplace. Potential employers will use due diligence to research if you are who you say you are; they will Google you.

Start cleaning up your online profile(s) by conducting a Google search on yourself. Look at your online profile(s) objectively and from the viewpoint of your potential employer. Would you hire the person they see online? If not, there's some work to do and the following three tips will steer you in the right direction.

1) Clean up your online profile(s)

Clean up all of your online social networking profile(s) such as MySpace, FaceBook, LinkedIn, Doostang, Plaxo, and others if you should have one. Use privacy controls, remove revealing pictures, and edit past and posted content.

2) Use an appropriate email address

Provide potential employers with an appropriate email address for contact purposes. Emails such as mac_daddy@anyemail.com or 2sexy4u@anyemail.com might have flair and personality, but it's definitely not saying the same thing to a potential employer. Create something more muted such as jaime.myers@anyemail.com or jmyers@anyemail.com and let your personality shine through when you meet in person during the interview.

3) Use Google alerts

Create a Google alert for your name and receive notification whenever your name pops up on a new page via email by signing up at http://www.google.com/alerts. Stay in the loop of what's out there and being published in your name.

Taking the time to clean up your online presence will give you peace of mind in knowing that all the hard work and progress you made in your job search process wasn’t undermined by your social actions and extracurricular activities.

Until next week…

Profile for FaceBook and LinkedIn Added

2009-10-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Created: A FaceBook and a LinkedIn profile for Alegup Strategies, Inc. Check us out!

Coming Soon: A revised company website in the coming weeks for Alegup Strategies, Inc.

http://www.alegupstrategies.com/