Job Hunting In the Digital Age: Reputation, Resumes & Video Interviews

Written by Dave Landry Jr.

As you pursue your studies and plan for your future, you need to set yourself apart from the pack.

One way you can differentiate yourself from the competition is by highlighting your study abroad experience at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center.

According to one organization, the number of U.S. students who studied outside of the country for credit during the 2013 to 2014 school year climbed 5.2% to 304,457 from 289,408, which represented less than 1.5% of all U.S. students were are enrolled at post-secondary schools in the country. So your study abroad experience will put you among a relatively small group.

Also take into account that in this digital age, your online reputation matters a great deal since everything you do online leaves a footprint that employers can follow — and you don’t pictures and forum posts to overshadow your study abroad experience.

Consider this, for instance:

• 75% of recruiters will conduct online research of candidates
• 70% of recruiters have rejected candidates based on what they found

While there are things you definitely need to avoid doing online, there are things you can do to create a digital footprint that will interest employers and recruiters for all the right reasons. Whether it’s a great resume on your LinkedIn page or an enticing video interview, you can demonstrate to decision-makers looking to fill positions that you’re an ideal candidate.

LinkedIn + Resume

According to International Student, there are lots of benefits to studying abroad. One that you should be particularly mindful of is that it can lead to more career opportunities since future employers will take note of your openness to immersing yourself in other cultures, your language skills, and your well-rounded education.

You can make it easier for them to find out about you by getting yourself a LinkedIn profile and by filling in the sections thoroughly. Be sure to highlight the fact that you did study abroad. Combining the power of LinkedIn with the power of a great resume will help you leapfrog over the competition.

Video Interview

In this digital age, you need to be prepared for the possibility of video interviews. Whether the video interview is for a job opportunity or for a business school interview after you take your GMAT exam, you’ll want to talk up your experience studying in another country.

Once more, your decision to study abroad will give you a competitive advantage over your peers who did not choose to do do. Make the most of it, and you’re sure to come out on top.