LinkedIN and other job fishing holes

[burbuja0512]

Good advice/Idea!

Here is my share that includes some LinkedIn tips, which YES is essential. In my last two positions, we wouldn't even consider someone if we couldn't look them up on LinkedIn. It's just considered standard these days.

People who are using LinkedIn ONLY for job-hunting aren't getting the full value. You can't think of it as a magic wand that will be there for you when you want a job and disapears when you are done. Here are some key tips:

1) Do you have a Rolodex? Throw it away. Connect with someone on LinkedIn and you no longer have to keep their business card. You will automatically be updated when they move into a new job.

2) Connect with (almost) everyone. Who will be the special connection that lets you in on the next industry secret or is the gatekeeper for a new position? You don't know! I have met LinkedIn snobs who only connect with "important" people. I connect with everyone that is a legitimate person just looking for professional connections.

3) Meet someone new? Connect with them immediately even when you're not job hunting. When you're looking for a job is the worst time to desperately connect with people. Work on LinkedIn a little bit year-round and it will pay off.

4) Would you like to look like an industry expert? Write an article and post it. Do that a few more times and build up a bunch of articles. Use them in your mid-year review or in your consulting business. I practice what I preach. Here's one of mine: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/multicult...lobal-mba/

5) Regularly like other people's articles and share them. This boost their popularity and reinforces their expertise. Not to mention, if the article is good (don't like anything that isn't) then you will highlight how in touch you are!

Lastly for now, remember that LinkedIn is NOT a tool that is a one-time ticket to career super-success. You need to work a lot at first, then just maintain and decide your level of participation. Figure out your "persona" if you're posting or sharing (meaning make sure you're acting the same way you would in your office, avoiding politics, religion, or anything controversial) and remember that most people on LinkedIn have shared goals. You're mostly all there to see and be seen, and while you should always be respectful, don't be afraid to connect with people whose articles you like or those in groups. If you're really shy, you can join networking groups where you'll be guaranteed to connect with the members.


Hope that helps for now - I'll post more if something else comes to mind.