Learn how using social networking sites like LinkedIn can help you in your job search. Follow these simple steps when performing your LinkedIn job search to extend your reach in the market your entering.
Go Pro with LinkedIn: Find A Job Using Social Networking
While existing social networks are a good place to start, consider LinkedIn, a professional networking resource that allows you to stay connected with colleagues (past and present), others in your industry and personal contacts that may know helpful people in your field. It’s free to establish a profile, but a monthly fee applies for some services, such as getting in touch with hiring managers through their network and access to professionals who provide advice related to your job search.
LinkedIn allows you to create a resume-like profile listing your work experience and (my favorite feature) maintain a collection of personal recommendations. Take advantage of this. Offer to write recommendations for friends and colleagues and ask them to reciprocate before you fall out of touch. Search your network for links to a company or industry to find out if, for example, your college roommate is connected to the head of sales at your dream company. This mutual contact may be your “foot in the door.”
Just remember these tips:
Be Positive: Regardless of the circumstances never post negative comments about your past or present employer or co-workers on the internet.
Be Careful What you Broadcast: Don’t broadcast your newly unemployed status.
Touch Base: Determine those professional colleagues with whom you’ve bonded and add them to your social network through Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Touch base with these contacts frequently through “liking” their posts or commenting on them.
Andrea Eldridge, Computer Repair, Nerds On Call
What tips did you use for a successful LinkedIn Job Search?
