Job Hunting? Quick Tips to Get “LinkedIn”

A nice cover letter and detailed resume may get you in the door, but a LinkedIn profile could finally get you that dream job. A virtual CV not only gives perspective employers more information about you, it also allows social media to open doors to new career opportunities.

LinkedIn is an online professional networking site with access to over 7 million business people. The website tops all other social networks when it comes to finding jobs, and it’s FREE!

If you are new to social media, don’t let it overwhelm you. Just like learning to swim or riding a bike, start slow, learn the basics, and observe others. Here are a few tips.

Get Started:

1. Visit the LinkedIn Web site.
2. Enter the information requested on each page to build your basic profile. This takes about 2 minutes.
3. Choose “Basic Level” to continue with a free profile.

Expand Your Profile:

1. Review your basic profile and enhance it where needed.
2. Define your career goals and interests by creating a compelling statement about the type of job you seek and your unique skills. Select the types of business opportunities about which you wish to be contacted.
3. Add a professional profile picture that represents the image you want to portray to potential employers.

Build Your Network:

1. Build your network by creating a list of business professionals you know. Consider past bosses, coworkers, clients, classmates, neighbors, friends, and relatives. List anyone you know in a professional context.
2. With the list, conduct a “People Search.” In the box provided, enter a person’s name that you would like to add to your network. If you allowed LinkedIn to pull from your own contact list associated with your email address upon starting your profile, refer to these profiles.
3. Join a LinkedIn group. Many alumni groups and professional societies use LinkedIn to connect with members.

Reach Out to Others:

1. If possible, ask former bosses to write you a strong recommendation. Ask that they highlight key skills and include specific examples of your successes.
2. Send short messages to select members of your LinkedIn network to ask for any opportunities in their companies.
3. Identify members in your LinkedIn network who work at a company to which you want to apply. Ask for tips about the hiring process and the skills for which the company is looking. Request your resume be delivered to human resources or ask for the hiring manager’s contact information.

Keep With It:

1. Log into your profile for at least 15-minutes once a week to update your profile, accept LinkedIn requests, and continue to search for other people to build your network.
2. If you meet business professionals not already in your LinkedIn network, search for them in LinkedIn and ask them to be part of your network.
3. Concerned about managing your time on LinkedIn, check out Debra Simpson’s tips on “How To Manage Social Media So It Doesn’t Manage You!”

Create an expanding network using your LinkedIn account, and get the job you want in less time than it takes to go on numerous, boring interviews. It is simple to join and free. Put yourself out there today and start your dream job tomorrow!