JobSeekersAZ, July 20th
Jessica Pierce on LinkedIn
The main topic of our session today was LinkedIn Fully Utilized for the jobseeker. Since LinkedIn is the #1 networking site for professionals, jobseekers need to be using it to the fullest extent possible. The numbers tell us that approximately 99% of recruiters are actually using LinkedIn as a primary recruiting source.
There are 5 keys to fully utilizing LinkedIn.
- Ensure 100% profile completion
- Make real connections
- Search for jobs within LinkedIn
- Join and be active in Groups
- Follow companies
Step One: 100% Profile Completion. LinkedIn explains the steps that need to be taken to be 100% on the profile page. There are some additional strategies that many people may not understand. First, ensure that you have a powerful headline (not… seeking work, help). Something such as Office Manager and your next indispensible right hand. That one says something interesting and fun, it makes someone want to open up your profile. Next, ensure that the url is customized to your name or business. You can do this on the profile page next to the url, click the edit option. Once you change this, don’t change it again. Another area often misunderstood is having your picture. This is important so that you can have 100% completion but also recruiters like to have a personal connection, this is one of the ways to feel like you have a better idea about the candidate. Keep it clean, keep it professional. There is a section on the profile that allows for website information. Choose the option “other” and make sure you fill in website titles for websites that are important to you. Include urls such as your company and/or business, associations, volunteer programs and your blog. Lastly to make sure you have a great profile that is 100% complete, fill out the summary and specialties section. The summary is an explanation of who you are and a review of what you’ve done. Think about your elevator pitch or the paragraph at the top of your resume, that is good to include here. Ensure the specialties section includes all your areas of expertise, stay away from generic phrases such as… team builder, good communicator, hard worker… These don’t really say anything about you. One area that is often missed and not well-known is recommendations. You must have 3 recommendations within the LinkedIn system to get to the 100% completion.
Step Two: Make REAL Connections. The strength of Connections is what makes LinkedIn brilliant. The recommendation is to have only authentic connections. These are people you have met, talked to, emailed, contacted or are someone in which you are pursuing a conversation (such as a hiring manager or recruiter). LinkedIn shows you your Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 connections. Similar to the 6 Degrees of Separation Theory, your network grows exponentially when you understand the power of connections.
Step Three: Search LinkedIn Jobs. In the main toolbar at the top of your Home page, there is a Jobs tab. Click on that and start searching. Companies use LinkedIn to post jobs, many times before they ever consider going to a large job board to post them. There is also a great new tool called JobsInsider which allows you to see on other job boards with whom you are connected on LinkedIn. You can download this application at http://learn.linkedin.com/job-seekers/.
Step Four: Join and be Active on LinkedIn Groups. LinkedIn Groups is powerful because you can give some immediate value to people by joining in on a discussion. You can find experts in the field in different groups. Many groups post jobs that are not listed on the Jobs tab within LinkedIn. These will show on your profile, though you have the option to block these from your public profile. You can find groups for just about any topic in which you are interested: professional, associations, college alumni and personal.
Step Five: Follow Companies. LinkedIn has a new feature, you can now follow companies. Search for the companies in the search bar, choose the Companies option and type in the company name. On this feature, you can find out anyone in which you are Linked to that may have been promoted or hired with this company. The company job openings are also listed. Great feature from LinkedIn!!!
Make sure you are actively utilizing your LinkedIn account and remember to provide value to your connections. Please don’t send out your resume and say help. Tell your connections that you are actively in career transition and that you’d like to see if they have connections in your target companies.
Enjoy your transition – this could be a fantastic life-changing experience!
Jessica Pierce
jessica@jobseekersaz.com
Jessica,
Great steps to the process of starting / working / completing your LinkedIn profile. One thing I would add as a reminder though is that you’ll never be done with perfecting your profile. I think it’s important to note, so new folks to LinkedIn don’t think that it’s a one-time thing. It should be considered a “work in progress”. Thanks for all you do!
Aidan Foley
http://www.linkedin.com/in/afoley