Kevin's Tips for Using LinkedIn.com During Your Job Search in 2013

Using LinkedIn For Your
Job Search
LinkedIn Social Networking
Your Way Into Your Next Job
By
Kevin R. Panet, MS HRM, SPHR-CA

Summary

 What is LinkedIn

 Why you should care

 15 Tips for using LinkedIn

 Final Thoughts

 2012, Kevin Panet, www.KevinPanet.com 2

What is LinkedIn?
 A tool for working adults to build and
maintain their social network.
 A venue for companies to show off their
products and services.
 A search engine for recruiters to find talent.

 A means for job seekers to find information
on companies, available jobs, and people who
can help them get hired.


What is LinkedIn?
 Over 175 million users on LinkedIn (06/12).
 82% of Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn
for hiring searches.
 Over 12,000 contract for “hiring solutions.”

 The 26th most viewed web site in the world
with 131 unique visitors in June 2012.
 Primary for working professionals.
 Sometimes called “Facebook for adults.”


Why should job seekers care?
 70% of jobs are now found through
networking.
 Your “profile” works for you 24/7.

 If you have no on-line presence, many
recruiters will feel you are hiding something.
 You will be judged by your profile, good or
bad.
 You control your profile.


15 Tips To Improve Your Profile
 These tips are like a buffet, take ideas that you
feel will work for you.
 This list is not complete, new features are
often added.
 This will require an investment of your time.

 The best time to do all this is when you are
employed (but do it now and catch up).
 Don’t be shy!


Tip 1: Have a Goal!
 You can’t do “everything,” so focus on what
you want to do (or be known for).
 Create your profile with a purpose in mind.
 Find employment
 General networking

 Promote your brand

 Engage in activities that support your goal.


Tip 2: Complete Your Profile
 Reaching “100% Profile Completeness” is only
the beginning… So get there fast!
 Recruiters are less likely to view your profile
unless it is complete.
 An incomplete profile might be interpreted as
a shoddy work ethic.
 This is your first impression, so make it count!


Tip 3: Work History
 Only go back 10 years, unless you need to
demonstrate experience in positions from 10+
years ago.
 Use plenty of keywords and acronyms.
 Recruiters search primarily by keywords, skills,
education, and location.
 Example: “Used SPC (Statistical Process Control)
to reduce production costs by 38%, increasing
profits by over $850,000.”


Tip 4: Skills & Expertise
 You can add up to 50 different skills.
 Use the skills that reflect the position you are
seeking - get ideas from job postings.
 If you are lacking skills, go get them!
 Check local resources, many classes are offered
for free.
 Find ways to practice and improve your skills.

 Do work for non-profits to improve your skills.


Tip 5: Your Education
 List all your degrees, don’t list years.

 List any certificate programs you attended that
are relevant to the job you are seeking.

 Consider joining alumni “Groups” on LinkedIn.


Tip 6: Your Photo – Look Sharp!
 Your photo should reflect the image you want
to present to recruiters.
 Profiles with photos are more likely to be
reviewed by recruiters.
 Get a good “headshot” of your smiling face.

 Do not use a photo from a camera phone,
especially if the photo was taken in a bar!
 Avoid sexy photos or “mug shots.”


Tip 7: Connections
 Use “People Search” to connect with
everyone you have ever known.
 Work: Managers, co-workers, customers
 Other: School, church/temple, clubs, etc.

 Don’t be shy, “Get introduced through a
connection.”
 Be personable when asking for connections.
 Don’t just send the canned request.


Tip 7: Connections
 Send connections requests to fellow “Group”
members who contribute, or say something
interesting.
 Send a connection request and ask for advice.
 Ask for general career advice and if they know of
additional resources.
 Ask what you might do to better position yourself
for a position at their organization.


Tip 7: Connections
 Don’t send a request and ask for a job.
 You can ask if they know about a job posting.
 If they accept your connection request, you can
ask if they can introduce you to the hiring
manager.
 You can ask them if there is any way you can help

them.
 Remember, building connections (like most
relationships) takes time, so get started today!


Tip 7: Connections
 Accept connections from people who can help
you, if not today, tomorrow.
 Be wary of creeps, stalkers and others who
want to sell you the next greatest / latest /
Multi-Level Marketing opportunity.
 If someone wants to connect and you don’t
know them, simply reply and ask, “have we
met?”
 People who honestly want to know you will
explain why they are attempting to connect.

Tip 8: Recommendations
 Some recruiters won’t consider candidates
without recommendations.
 Ask everyone who knows your good work for
a recommendation.
 Managers (especially past managers)
 Co-workers (even if in other departments)

 Customers

 Try to get recommendations that reflect your
suitability for the position you are seeking.


Tip 8: Recommendations
 Be proactive, give recommendations first!
 First, connect with managers and co-workers.
 Second, give them honest recommendations.

 Don’t go too crazy.
 Don’t make stuff up.

 Third, once they accept your recommendations,
LinkedIn will automatically suggest that they give
you a recommendation in return.


Tip 9: Groups – Join Now!
 Search “Groups” and join up to 50.
 Most groups should reflect the position and/or
industry you are seeking.
 E-mails from groups can be overwhelming,
adjust “settings” to limit e-mail traffic.
 Some groups are “closed” – be patient.

 Avoid groups focused on sex, religion or
politics (or don’t show on your profile)


Tip 9: Groups – Join Discussions
 Start interesting “Discussions.”
 Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

 If you have the expertise, demonstrate your
knowledge in the discussions.
 Always be polite, even if you disagree.

 Compliment those who make good points and
ask to connect with them.


Tip 9: Groups – Behave
 People will form opinions about you from
your participation in groups. Be cool!
 Avoid spamming with articles, especially if not
relevant to the purpose of the group.
 Always be polite and upbeat – no one likes a
grumpy Gus!
 Always try to be complimentary of others.


Tip 9: Groups – Associations
 Try to join groups based on your profession.
 You don’t always have to be a member of the
professional association to join the group.
 Allows you to learn and get advice from current
group members.
 Can lead to long lasting relationships.

 You can later ask local group members out for
coffee and additional networking.


Tip 10: Posting Updates
 “Share an update” when:
 You will be attending any training related to the
position you are seeking.
 Seminars, webinars, workshops, etc.
 You attending any professional meetings or events.
 You want to share something (an article, event,
etc.) with your network.
 You can celebrate successes with your job search.

 For example; getting an interview.


Tip 10: Posting Updates
 Multiple posting
 You can tell LinkedIn to re-post your updates via
Twitter, then tell Twitter to re-post on Facebook.
 You can use other sites to post to LinkedIn and

other social media sites with a single update.
 Don’t over do it!
 Most people don’t care if you are sitting on a
couch, just ate a bagel, or had a rough morning.


Tip 11: Applications
 SlideShare Presentations
 Allows you to show off samples of your work.
 Reading List by Amazon
 Let people know what you’re reading
 Polls
 Ask questions relevant to your job search
 WorldPress
 Blog Posting


Tip 12: Be Stealthy
 If you are employed, change your privacy
settings so you can search anonymously.
 Review your connections, delete those who
you don’t want receiving updates on your
activities.
 Network with people who might be in a
position to help you later.


Tip 13: Marketing Your Profile
 In your LinkedIn profile URL to your signature
block, use with all outgoing e-mails.
Jane J. Seeker
Administrative Professional
(213) 555-1212
www.LinkedIn.com/in/JaneSeeker
JaneSeeker@Gmail.com
Currently in an active job search

 Place your profile URL on your resume,
business cards, presentations, etc.
 Now is not the time to be shy!


Tip 14: Be Patient
 Building an effective network takes time.
 Don’t be pushy.

 Don’t give up.

 Stay focused on what you are trying to achieve
– keep your eye on the prize!
 Always offer to help others.


Tip 15: Leave The Cave!
 LinkedIn is good, but you can’t e-mail a
handshake.
 Get outside, get to networking events, meet
people who can help you face-to-face.
 Meeting people in person makes you a “real
person,” not just “someone on the internet.”
 Meet people in public places, never at their
home – use common sense.


Summary
 LinkedIn is a vital tool to be used in your job
search.
 Don’t completely rely on LinkedIn.

 Don’t give up.

 When you land a job, keep networking!
 Every job is a rehearsal for the next job.
 People in your network often need your help,

don’t neglect them.


Kevin's Tips for Using LinkedIn.com During Your Job Search in 2013

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (19)

Similaire à Kevin's Tips for Using LinkedIn.com During Your Job Search in 2013

Similaire à Kevin's Tips for Using LinkedIn.com During Your Job Search in 2013 (20)

Plus de Kevin Panet, MSHRM, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP ★

Plus de Kevin Panet, MSHRM, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP ★ (8)

Dernier

Dernier (20)

Kevin's Tips for Using LinkedIn.com During Your Job Search in 2013