You probably know by now that OneWire is not a job board but, rather, a job matching site.  So it's very important to create your profile so that it includes relevant information that will translate well into your next position.  Wondering how to create your profile so that it fully represents you as you would like it to?  Here are some tips for you to follow that will help to make sure your profile has all the right information.

1. Fill in your citizenship information.

This includes your country of citizenship, as well as your work eligibility.  This is one of the first sections that you are asked to fill out, and it's important to include.  If a company specifies a country of citizenship or eligibility and your profile lacks that section, then you will not be matched to that opportunity.

2. Choose relevant roles.

You want to make sure that in describing your experience, you select key roles from your background that are relevant for any position you'd like to be considered for.  To select all roles you've held in the past, you may need to take your time and even leave your profile to come back to it later, which is completely fine.  All of your information will be saved, but don't forget to go back in to complete it!

3. Define your roles.

Click on the "Define Position" button to do this.  This portion is essential.  Roles that are well defined provide a better look into a candidate's experience.  When you define your position, you choose all roles, focus areas, and specializations that were a part of your overall experience at that position.  You should provide percentages for each element to create an even more detailed profile.

4. Provide skills and interests

Skills, licenses, and certifications that you hold are a great supplement to your profile.  However, sports and hobbies are important as well, especially for undergraduate students.  You never know what connection you may have with a hiring manager, so it's best to include as many as you can truly provide.  These are also important to include because it helps your profile represent you as a person, rather than just an employee.  Companies and firms recognize that they are considering candidates who bring much more to the table than just work experience, so they want to be able to have a more complete understanding of the type of person you are before making any decisions.

5. Upload your resume.

OneWire does not search for keywords on your resume, and while it is not the most important element of your profile, there is a place to include it.  Some companies may want to view your resume in addition to your profile, so it's in your best interest to include one.

The OneWire website offers great resume writing tips.  What's great is that the tips are broken down by experience level.  That means that the website can teach you how to showcase your skills and strengths differently as you progress and develop your career. In addition to the experience-specific tips on the site, here's a few more:

• Keep it to 2 pages, maximum
• Be consistent: lay out, font, size
• Be creative, but keep it professional
• Showcase your skills
• EDIT, EDIT, AND EDIT AGAIN

Apply these tips to your OneWire profile and resume to optimize your job search results.  Knowing how to represent yourself and your skills in a meaningful, noticeable way is a skill that will be incredibly useful throughout your career.  If, and when, your profile leads to a match that you would like to move forward with, you'll need to be prepared for an interview.  Next week, check back in for tips on how to prepare for and carry out a successful, memorable interview.  Have a good weekend!