Using LinkedIn for your Job Search
Posted in Online Networking
In recent years, LinkedIn has become a favorite recruiting tool for both job seekers and employers since one can network with previous and current employers, as well as co-workers and classmates. Many companies, including those in the Fortune 100, use this unique social networking site to post job vacancies.
It may be doubtful at first, but social networking sites like LinkedIn can increase you chances of finding a very beneficial and financially-sound job. Aside from the networking capabilities, you can also negotiate a higher salary, locate important information and people, draw on the expertise of others to solve problems, make more informed decisions and better use of your time.
Here are some suggestions in creating a greater chance for you to find work through LinkedIn.
Establish your online brand - How you appear online can affect how other professionals see you, as well as your offline image. To do this, you need to develop your LinkedIn profile first. Keep information on your professional experience and other relevant information up-to-date. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward by keeping private about personal information that are intended for close friends. Also, avoid the use of personal photos of your vacation or party.
Be at the forefront of people's minds - Get leads and recommendations through your network by keeping in touch with former colleagues as well as your present co-workers. LinkedIn makes you able to see who in your network has been promoted, switched jobs, moved, won an award, and other career milestones. You can contact colleagues through its mailing system, which keeps you connected without cutting into your personal time.
Make smarter decisions - Know where to find knowledge and expertise when you need it. LinkedIn allows professionals to solicit input and gain perspective from their own network or from the broader community within the site. Learn how other people approach new markets, revamp processes, and resolve problems. Draw on the collective knowledge of your trusted connections, as well as their connections, and benefit from the experience of others.
Prioritize how you spend your time - Use LinkedIn to check out new contacts and new requests before committing into a new meeting, speaking engagements, etc. The site also saves time by allowing you to find specialists on almost every topic, industry, or company you want to research.
Stay in touch to what is going on in your world - Stay on top of the industry at all time by reading articles you need to read and leverage the power of your business connections.
