Transition Insight

In order to create a better online presence, one of the best things you can do is become more active on social media and create visually interesting updates.

I've compiled this list of tools I use (and recommend) to help you incorporate visuals into your social media updates to build awareness of your online personal brand- all without spending an enormous amount of time.

I spend about 15 minutes a day scheduling social media updates across different platforms. You can do this too!

Social Media Stats & Data

But before I dive in, here are some marketing stats to convince you that you should embrace using visuals in your social media updates.

• Visual content is more than 40X more likely to get shared on social media than other types of content. (Source)
• Tweets with photos are retweeted 35% more than those without (Source)
• Facebook updates with visuals get 2.3x more engagement (Source)
• Content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without relevant images. (Source)

And specifically for job seekers, here's why being active on social media can help your job search. You can read more about the data from CareerBuilder's research here.

Everything you share on social media helps convey who you are and what's important to you. Sharing on-brand updates makes it easier for recruiters to find or discover you. It also provides recruiters with some insight as to whether you are a fit for their role/organization.

Status Update Ideas

If you are befuddled by what to share on social media, here are some ideas:

• Industry insights
• News about target companies (or people inside target companies)
• Job-related tips/hacks
• Ask questions
• Quotes
• Memes
• Infographics, photos, videos
• Upcoming events you will be attending
• Live updates during an event
• Re-share updates posted by people in your network

To get more details, read this post 10 LinkedIn Status Updates for Job Seekers. It is written to help you figure out what to share on LinkedIn, but the same ideas would work across all the other networks too!

Free Tools For A Better Online Presence

Tools To Schedule Social Media Updates

When you post on social media, you want to spread your updates out over time. By dripping content out, you improve the chances that what you share will be viewed by a wider audience. So rather than sharing something when you find it, spread your updates out over time. I use both Buffer and Hootsuite from my desktop and mobile device. (FYI: I also use the free versions)

Buffer

You can share any page you're reading to almost any social network, either immediately or in the future.

Step 1: sign up for free and link your social media accounts so you can share to them.

Step 2: download the app to your phone/mobile device

Step 3: download the extension to your web browser.

Step 4: find an article, picture or anything on the web and click on the Buffer option (either from your browser or if the post has sharing icons, you can use the Buffer option).

As a free user, you have a limited number of updates you can make. This is why I also use Hootsuite in addition to Buffer.

If you want to dive in deeper and learn more about how to use Buffer, start with their Introduction to Buffer.

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a social media dashboard. From their dashboard, which you download to your computer, you can share status updates on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. In short, Hootsuite allows you to schedule when and where you want to share your updates on social media.

Step 1: Create a free Hootsuite account.

Step 2: Add social networks.

Step 3: Download Hootlet for your Chrome browser & Hootsuite mobile app

Step 4: Publish/share updates

To learn more about how to use Hootsuite, you can start by reading their Quick Start Guide.

Later

An invaluable tool for scheduling posts on Instagram, I use this to share my new blog posts. The "linkin.bio" feature makes this simple to share a link to my article.

The free version has limitations. You can't share videos or carousels (more than one photo per post). But Later is a great time saver for scheduling regular posts to Instagram. You can also use Later to schedule to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Tool To Save Articles for Later

Sometimes you just want to save an article. Maybe you want to read it before you share it or maybe it's too good to forget. You can use Pocket to easily save articles and even better, easily find them from any device. Bookmarking is so 1990s.

Pocket

Sometimes you want an easy way to save an article to read later. Pocket let's you do this. Just click on the bookmarklet/extension from your desktop or from your phone, click on the three dots and select share and scroll down until you see Pocket.

You can add a tag to help you categorize/file/search for the article.

Tools to Create Visuals for Social Media

Canva

If you want more design options, then check out this easy-to-use tool. Just pick the type of image you want to create, add an image (or background) and text and download! Canva is very easy to use and there are templates for almost everything you need and ensures you use the best image size for the social media platform you are creating an image for.

For more help using Canva, you can view their Graphic Design Tutorials.

Pablo by Buffer

Do you want to create a graphic in an instant? Type in text, use find an image from their library and share to your favorite social network! (Or you can download it to your computer). And yes, you can use Buffer to schedule it to post at another time! This is probably the fastest tool for creating and sharing directly to social networks. It does have limitations. But if you are looking for fast and easy, Pablo is for you.

To learn more about using Pablo, read: Engaging Social Media Images in 30 Seconds Flat: Introducing Pablo by Buffer.

Visme

A robust tool to create ANY type of graphic from social media posts, to presentations to marketing material, this one tool can do it all.

Templates are available to make it simple to design whatever you want. You'll also find great tutorials to improve your design skills and how to use this product.

Stock Photos (free/no attribution required)

If you are looking for stock photos and images you can modify and use without attribution, check out these free resources.

• Pixabay
• Pexels
• StockSnap
• Unsplash
• Gratisography
• Death to the Stock Photo

Tools For Screenshots

Don't forget about using screenshots! Using your phone's camera or taking a screenshot with your phone works too. If you are looking for a tool to capture an image from your computer try these.

Snip and Sketch

This basic screenshot tool comes with Windows. There aren't a lot of bells and whistles, but it does allow you to easily grab what's on your screen!

It allows you to snip, add text, blur, and more. Plus, you can save your screenshot to Evernote or your computer.

Nimbus Screen capture

This Chrome extension allows you to capture a screenshot and edit! If you want to add text, underline or even blur, you have all these options once you've captured your screenshot. You can screengrab videos too.

Loom

If you are looking for an easy way to record yourself showing how to do something on screen, Loom is the tool for you. It's a great way to create short instructional videos. Here's a 3 minute tutorial I created on how to find people to follow on Twitter

Choosing the Correct Size Image to Share

Every social network has a different size image that works best for a status update. It can be frustrating to keep track. (I've put the image below on my bulletin board). Buffer keeps an up-to-date list of the image sizes to use for status updates across different social media. All the tools to create images (listed above) have templates to help you get the right-sized image.

The Ideal Image Sizes for Your Social Media Posts: Guidelines for All Major Social Networks

How Often To Share

If you are someone who is ready to create a strong online presence, then these are my recommendations for how often to share status updates on the most popular social networks. Note: you may not be active on all of these social networks. Pick the top 2 and focus on those first.

• Twitter: 5-8 posts a day
• Facebook: 1-2 posts a day
• LinkedIn: 1 post a day
• Instagram: 1-2 posts a day
• Pinterest: 3-5 posts a day

In order to do this, you are going to need to use a scheduling tool like Buffer or Hootsuite and you will have to find good quality content to share. Read this to help: Build Your Brand By Sharing Content

Don't Forget About Your Profile and Banner Images

You also want to make your social media profile images the right size. You can learn how to do that by reading this guest post by Venngage here:

How to Create A Cohesive Social Branding Kit

And creating infographics is another great visual content strategy. Want to learn how to create an infographic resume? Check out my book: "The Infographic Resume"

The holidays aren't just for celebrations—they're the perfect opportunity for job seekers. While others pause their search, you can stand out by networking, reconnecting with colleagues, and getting ahead of the hiring rush.

From festive events to volunteer opportunities, the season offers low-pressure ways to build relationships and uncover job leads. This post will help you turn holiday cheer into career success!

Maybe what you really want this holiday is a new job. Well, don't give up! Take advantage the holiday season to reconnect with old friends and enlist help from those who care!

The added bonus? Reconnecting with past colleagues and friends lifts your spirits, which is just what you need!

Hiring Does Happen In December

The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year often sees a hiring slowdown. But it doesn't mean every company is pausing their hiring.

Some companies try to get a new hire before the budget year ends. Other companies might be waiting for the new year to begin, but are advertising the job now so they'll be ready to onboard the new employee early in January.

The benefit for you, as a job seeker, is less competition. Many job seekers take a break during the holidays and those who are employed and looking tend to begin their search in January.

Get In A Positive Frame of Mind

Looking for a new job while unemployed over the holidays can dampen your spirits. It's tough to feel like celebrating when you are without a job. But look at the bright side, you have extra time to do good things to help others. Maybe this is the year you volunteer to help an organization you care about. Or maybe you can spend time helping a friend or family member by watching their children while they shop.

Find activities or opportunities to gather with other people and focus less on your own situation. And seek professional help if you need it.

Holiday Networking Events

From holiday parties to festive gatherings, you'll find lots of events on your community calendar.

• Professional associations
• Chamber of Commerce
• Job seeking groups
• Neighborhood gatherings
• Family gatherings
• Volunteer organizations and opportunities
• College/University Alumni parties

Check your school's alumni page, ask friends, look online for events happening near you and find one or two to attend in person. Here are 25+ places to network.

You can always invite a friend to meet you there if you have networking jitters.

Attending An Event? Have Your Pitch Ready

When attending events and even family gatherings, be prepared to answer, "So what do you do?"

Your answer in a social setting doesn't need to be long or go into great detail. Keep it light and interesting.

As tempting as it is to say you are unemployed, in transition, looking for your next great job — don't include that in your initial answer. You will probably get asked a follow-up question or be asked who you work for. That's when you can tell them the types of companies you are interested in working for. Here are some examples that give just enough information:

Remember, your answer is just the beginning of a conversation. Ask them what they do and see what happens next!

Online Holiday Cheer

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with friends and colleagues. Tap into the power of your LinkedIn connections and wish them a happy holiday and new year. Also look for online holiday-themed events on sites like Eventbrite or Meetup sponsored by professional associations.

Using online networking to stay connected and meet new people helps solidify and grow your connections.

Reach Out

The holidays are the perfect excuse to reach out to people and wish them well. Take extra time and effort to add a note with your holiday greeting cards to update people. Stay positive and be specific.

You can even reach out to past colleagues who may have a less busy schedule during the holidays. Ask if they would like to meet for coffee or virtually catch up.

Take Control of Your Holiday Job Search

Take a different approach to your job search strategy for the next month. Hiring decisions may be slow, so don't read too much into the fact you haven't gotten an update on your application or interview. Employees are using vacation time and that often makes it tough to reach a timely hiring decision. Do your best to consistently follow up.

Instead, focus on developing relationships. That is something you can control and feel positive about. There are holiday events happening, friends to reconnect with and volunteering to keep you active. Leverage these opportunities to meet new people and put yourself in a better holiday spirit..

With fewer jobs to apply to, you can re-allocate your time.

• Update your marketing plan by adding more target companies.
• Invest time learning a new skill related to your work.
• Learn and use social media.

There are a lot of things you can do that are more productive.

Manage Your Time

Scheduling your time is going to make you feel more productive, too. Try blocking one-hour increments of time in your day and assign networking activities to each block.

This article will help How to Allocate Your Time Wisely

Job Hunting During The Holidays

If you want that new job, the hard truth is that you are going to have to work harder than ever before. But know that just because it's December doesn't mean organizations have stopped the hiring process. Use the holidays for relationship-building.

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.

Just a few months into her mentorship, Howell found a new job paying $20,000 more than her previous role and was ecstatic about her experience. "By following [my Mentor's] advice on networking, I was able to land a new, higher paying position at a company that will be paying for me to learn new skills!" she shared. "I am so grateful for [my Mentor's] guidance and for the connection to her through ACP."

ACP is a national nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 Veterans find meaningful employment with a mentor's assistance. The average starting salary was $90,000.

Since 2010, more than 35,000 Veterans and military spouses have found success through ACP.

How to get started

Visit ACP's Website and fill out a brief application. Answer questions about your career goals, military experience and mentoring preferences.

What to expect after applying?

• ACP will reach out within 24 hours and schedule a 15-minute phone call to ask a few more questions to match each Veteran with the right Mentor.
• ACP will introduce you to a Mentor within several weeks of your application to the program and will check in throughout the year to provide customized resources and ensure positive outcomes. 98% of Veterans would recommend ACP.
• All post-9/11 Veterans who have served at least 180 days of active duty since 9/11 are eligible.
• ACP's weekly LinkedIn Live series connects Veterans directly to partner companies and hiring managers.
• ACP's LinkedIn Group, ACP Connects, offers employment opportunities from military-ready employers and professional development resources.
• ACP's Small Business program, ACP Ventures, offers resources, support and community for Veterans interested in entrepreneurship.

Apply Now at ACP online.

Senior executives from America's top companies provide volunteer mentors to ACP, including Amazon, Disney, Lockheed Martin, MLB and more. ACP will hand-pick a mentor based on your career interests and professional history. You and your mentor will create a tailored action plan for the mentorship and speak monthly to make progress on your goals. ACP staff will help guide you through the mentorship experience to ensure success.

Typical mentorship topics include:

Resume review and interview preparation

Career exploration

Work-life balance

Networking

Small business development

Leadership and professional communication

Man wearing collared blue business shirt.

Join ACP's free, personalized career mentorship program online at www.acp-usa.org and experience a year-long mentorship to assist you with your civilian career goals.

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA.

In the heart of our communities, there are unsung heroes who tirelessly dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. First responders—including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers and registered nurses—often face immense stress, trauma and sacrifice. The nonprofit organization, 1st Tix, is dedicated to honoring their service and to support their well-being.

VA also proudly serves our nation's first responders and is prioritizing outreach efforts in the new year to reach those who served and continue to serve in first responder roles. Apply for VA benefits today.

A mission of gratitude

1st Tix distributes free event tickets to current and former first responders and their families. 1st Tix was created in 2018 by its sister organization, Vet Tix, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing free event tickets to Veterans, active military members and their families. By providing access to live events, concerts, sporting events, and more, 1st Tix aims to foster relaxation, entertainment and connection.

The power of appreciation

Beyond the joy and entertainment that 1st Tix provides, the organization's mission also aims to improve the mental health of first responders. Exposure to traumatic events can lead to a range of mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. By offering opportunities for relaxation and social interaction, 1st Tix helps to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

The first step toward getting free tickets is to create a free account. Once eligibility is verified by ID.me, users will receive daily emails about events in their local area. If there are events you're interested in attending, you select them. If you're randomly chosen, you'll be notified via email or through the app. A nominal delivery fee is required to receive the tickets. Once the delivery fee is paid, you receive your event tickets.

A community of support

1st Tix recognizes the importance of community and connection. By attending events together, first responders and their families can strengthen bonds with fellow colleagues, share experiences and find solace in shared understanding. These social interactions can be incredibly therapeutic, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. 1st Tix and Vet Tix rely on the generosity of donors to fulfill its mission. Donors include teams, leagues, performers, promoters, venues and private donors who have tickets that they aren't going to use. These donated tickets are tax deductible for the face value of each.

A partnership for heroes

VA has recognized the vital work of 1st Tix, through Vet Tix, and has partnered with the organization to extend its reach to Veterans. Many Veterans transition from military service into careers as first responders. Veterans often face similar challenges as first responders, including exposure to trauma and mental health struggles. By providing free event tickets to Veterans, VA and 1st Tix are working together to support their well-being and reintegration into civilian life.

To learn more, visit vettix.org, or 1sttix.org.