When was the last time you used Yellow pages? Perhaps the online version, yellowpages.com? I was inspired by a Yellow pages ad in the Globe and Mail newspaper. The newspaper featured a "360 degree online marketing strategy." The seven aspects of the strategy all directly applied to an online marketing strategy for your job search.

1. yellowpages.com is an invaluable source for tapping into the hidden job market. Job search solution: www.twellow.com  If you are on Twitter (and you should be to showcase your skills and experience, connect with influential contacts and portray yourself as a subject matter expert).

2. Yellow pages directory. If you are on Twitter (and you should be to showcase your skills and experience, connect with influential contacts and portray yourself as a subject matter expert), use this site to look up a directory of people in your designated industry.

3. Site optimization solutions Job search solution: Make the most of optimizing your social media profiles. For example, if you are networking on linkedin.com, maximize your visibility by showering your summary and profile with keywords. It is these keywords that make you found easier by hiring managers and recruiters. And yes, Google does like linkedin.com for site optimization! Ensure that all of your social media platforms are communicating the same professional brand. Use the same keywords, if possible, on your other social media platyforms. You want to be visible to potential employers with a clean online identitiy, as opposed to dishing out "digital dirt," or unsavoury online messages. If make a mark by an online post, Tweet, comment on a page, you may show up promimently in a Google alert. What a compliment to your professional brand! Some recommended Tweteers who deal with this topic are: @SeoSkye @GoogleSEOservs

4. Mobile apps Job search solution: Sign up for mobile apps for your job search. You'll be glad you did. Twitter is often portrayed as a real time job board.  Tweeters can take advantage of job posting apps. Why not increase your accessibility to jobs by signing up for job alerts on your iPhone, Blackberry or mobile phone. The instant a recruiter or employer posts an opportunity, you'll be alerted on your mobile. Some of my Twitter followers who specialize in this category include: @Locita (French) @briteapps @wiredtweets

5. Digital media advice. Job search solution: Seek out the sages. Join groups; there's strength in numbers. Especially if you're unemployed, read about the latest trends in your industry. Ask questions, share resources, and swallow your pride by asking for advice on how trump up your digital marketing activities. Set a weekly goal by choosing some new activities. With the current unemployment statistics  you cannot afford to dismiss the notion of constantly revamping your digital marketing efforts. Competition is fierce out there!

6. Performance reports Job search solution: There is no better solidifier than offering a potential employer a testimonial. When I have helped outgoing military members who are transitioning to the civilian world, (based on my personal and professional affiliation to the military), I have suggested that they use their PER's or performance evaluation reports for résumé writing and interview preparation. Likewise, civilians can use their exemplary performance evaluations to be highlighted in their profiles and résumés. These can be considered testimonials. And speaking of testimonials, use some social media apps such as branchout.com to feature powerful endorsements about you. (See my previous blog post on branchout.com). On Facebook, you can use beknown.com to highlight your stellar reputation or comeRecommended.com Twitter has the equivalent. On linkedin.com, ask for influential contacts to write you a recommendation (I have posted about this point on this blog).

7. website You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by creating your PURL (personal URL) or web site. There is a plethora of sites to promote your professional brand. Some ideas may include: -visualize.me  You can turn your resume into an infographic. It's now in the beta version. -about.me  This is another beta platform that allows you to promote you. You can see my example on about.me/melissamartin

The concept of 360 degrees has been applied to human resources practices. It is widespread and relies on multiple sources of information and applications. The 360 degree solution is tweeted by @360jobint to help job seekers prepare fully for job interviews. Now's the time to apply your 360 degree digital marketing strategy. "Fortune favours the bold" the ancient Romans said. Wisdom isn't just ancient, it becomes contemporary.

Melissa Martin bilingual career/social media strategist Twitter: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual) Facebook: www.facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone/melissacynthiamartin2

Skype: melissacynthiamartin