Note:  I wrote this article as a feature in the September 2008 SEMPO Institute monthly e-newsletter.  In it I discuss several common questions the Onward Search team receives from candidates who are interested in entering search marketing as a new career.   

Job seekers who are looking to enter the search marketing industry often ask the question: “How do I get started?”  Here are five tips that I recommend to all new entrants to the industry:
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When it comes to finding a job, the internet is evolving into the best resource for both job seekers and employers.  A recent survey by CareerBuilder.com reported One in Five Employers Use Social Networks in the Hiring Process.  Generally, hiring managers are looking at potential candidates profiles on MySpace and Facebook to get a more personal look at the people they are considering hiring.  If you are currently interviewing, make sure your profile is professional.  As part of the survey, CareerBuilder reported potential employers who are checking social networking sites were concerned about evidence of achohol/drug abuse, inappropriate photos, and unprofessional language and attitudes among other things.  Although unprofessional profiles can spell the end of your chances at landing a job, a professional profile complete with recommendations will come off very well to hiring managers and can definitely help your chances of receiving a job offer.
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Yesterday we were pleased to announce a new partnership with SEMPO.  We're really excited to be working with SEMPO to develop programs that help grow the supply of search marketers across the country.

As part of our partnership, we're going to provide SEMPO with content for the SEMPO Institute and other content offerings around career development for new and search marketers alike, as well provide Onward Search employees with $1200 of tuition reimbursement as part of our tuition reimbursement program.  Additionally, Onward Search professionals who complete one year of full-time employment will also be eligible to receive full reimbursement for Individual SEMPO membership.

We've been working on this partnership for a fair amount of time and would like to thank the whole team over at SEMPO for being so great to work with.  The full press release is available for download below.

Onward Search and SEMPO Announce Partnership 8-13-08.pdf (25.55 kb)

With the demand for SEO professionals growing faster than the supply, many companies are scratching their heads at how to recruit and maintain top talent.  Over at EngineWorks they are developing their internship program to cultivate new talent that understands their practices and techniques.  Their inaugural intern, Courtney Nelson, has questioned the definition of an intern in her post, Is the SEM Intern Today’s Apprentice?  Courtney sought out the advice of the many of the industry’s experts to try and define the two terms and find a difference.  More...

Last week Glen Allsopp, over at Viper Chill, wrote a great article about, Improving Your Skillset: Your Path to Becoming a Better Internet Marketer.  Glen looked at eight areas of internet marketing (affiliate marketing, copywriting, domains, graphic design, PPC, SEO, social media, and website coding) and provided some great resources to keep your skills sharp.  From his experience Glen has learned the best way to improve upon your skills, is to strive to learn more.  So if you are looking to strengthen your internet marketing skills in any area, check out Glen’s post to keep your career moving in the right direction.

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