If you're in a professional job search, you need to be on LinkedIn. It's true. Recruiters these days ARE researching and sourcing candidates off of social and professional networking sites. They search on things like keywords, titles, names, and groups. Ms. McKee specifically mentioned LinkedIn and Twitter. I would add that building, maintaining, and protecting your online identity and brand is more important than ever. Executive recruiters and hiring managers alike are googling your name for insights — good or bad. 

Your takeaways:

• If you're not already on LinkedIn or you're not satisfied with your LinkedIn profile, do something about it. Talk to us. We can help set you up on LinkedIn or refine the content of your profile, and....
• Twitter is here to stay.  I recently read a blog post that described Twitter as today's speed networking. It's also been said that job seekers can help establish themselves as experts in their field with a blog. Microblogging on Twitter can help achieve this as well.  If you're new to the world of tweeting, I'd suggest you dip your toe in the water. At the very least, reserve your name by signing up for an account. It doesn't need to consume your time, but a couple minutes a day might improve your job search in terms of knowledge, connections, or new ideas — and possibly get your name in front of the right recruiter. 

A related post:
How LinkedIn can help your job search

Your resume needs to have compelling content that tells the reader 3 things. Oh, I was so excited when I read Ms. McKee's comments about what her clients like to see on resumes, because I discuss this with every one of my clients. Your resume should show a potential employer the following: 

1. How can you make money?
2. How can you save money?
3. How can you save time?

Ms. McKee shared how she likes to see accomplishments backed up by numbers, rankings, and percentages. The numbers show potential employers what you're capable of achieving. 

Your takeaway: 

• Substantiate, substantiate, substantiate!  Don't just tell with words, sell with numbers. It sets you apart and shows your value.  

Two related posts:
3 steps to an effective resume
3 things to do before hiring a resume writer