LinkedIn to Find a Job
Networking sites have become wildly popular on the internet, but they’re not just for socializing. Unlike MySpace and Facebook, which seem to keep people updated on your personal life. LinkedIn keeps people in the loop about your career and professional accomplishments. These days, many are turning to LinkedIn to find a job since LinkedIn is becoming so popular. LinkedIn is a free social networking tool that enables you to build a network quickly. I have over 7,000,000 connections in my network which includes everyone that I know, everyone that my connections know and everyone that they know. In LinkedIn you are connected 3 layers deep to anyone in your network.
The first suggestion I have is make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and complete. A completed profile dramatically increases your chances for success in the LinkedIn world. A completed profile is a photo, your current job, at least two previous jobs, a summary, any specialties you have, at least 3 recommendations and your educational background. This may sound like a lot, but it isn’t. You can round up this information and get recommendations from your friends in no time and you will be surprised how much more effective you are on LinkedIn. In fact, I got a new project for G.1440 on Wednesday through LinkedIn.
Next, check out the jobs tab. You will see every job that your network is recruiting for. In my network right now there are over 300 positions that are unfilled – amazing! The next step is to use the company tab. In this tab you will find a listing of all the companies that are in your network and your connections networks. In this listing, you can target companies that are hiring or companies that you want to meet.
Last but not least, be sure to join some groups that are relevant to you and that you share an interest with. I have joined groups from former employer as well as Towson and Loyola for both undergrad and graduate degrees.
These are some of the major steps to using LinkedIn to find a new position or career, however the best strategy is to just get in there and start connecting. You will figure out what is best for you. One other word of advic: start networking now! It will pay off whether you stay with your current employer or not.