Getting Linkedin to Your Next Job

Reality Check

• Less than a 10% chance of landing a job without an inside connection

• Think beyond the online job search engines/job boards

• Build your network to develop new relationships

Agenda

• What is online networking• Establishing your goals• Why is your online reputation

important• What is Linkedin• Developing a well-written profile• Making connections• Netiquette

What is online networking?

• Uses web-based tools to meet and communicate with people online

• Your network consists of your contacts or connections

• Similar to in-person networking• Eliminates the discomfort of

in-person networking

What are your goals?

• Grow your network• Nurture relationships• Provide value over time• Uncover job opportunities

In that order!

Your Personal Brand

Personal Branding matches your interests, key personal

attributes, and strengths with your value proposition, in a clear

and concise message that differentiates your unique

promise of value and resonates with your target audience.

Why is your online reputation important?

• Employers are advertising, posting jobs on sites and searching for candidates that fit their job requirements

• Recruiters are regularly scanning these sites to find potential candidates

• Google Search

Statistics

• Microsoft-commissioned study on effect online information has on job searching– http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9709510

Linkedin

• 90 million users• The most popular business

networking site • Social context is business• Median age is 35-49• Executives from all Fortune 500

companies • Represents 170 industries and 200

countries

How it Works

• Develop a smart profile that:– Attracts connections– Gives people enough information about

you to determine if you might be a good connection

– Markets yourself and provides details about your value

Start With Who You Know

• Friends and family• Former classmates• Current and former colleagues

and business associates

Hey, Person I Need!Hey, Person I Need!

Long time no talk! How are you?! Sorry I haven’t written you in 17 years — boy have I been busy — but here’s some contrived anecdote to show I’ve been thinking about you. Thought you’d like to hear these few random things that are going on with me, too. Oh, by the way, I was thinking you could hire me/refer me/help me in some other way I’ve been generous enough to dream up for you. And since I’m sure you’re dying to read my resume, it’s attached. Totally can’t wait to catch up!

Sincerely,Most Transparent Jobseeker Ever

A Nice Introduction

Hi Jim. It’s been a very long time since we last spoke and I wanted to re-connect with you on Linkedin. I would love to find some time to get together soon for a cup of coffee and catch up, too.

Sincerely, Robert

Advanced Search

Advanced Search

2nd or 3rd Degree Contact

Premium Accounts

Who you don’t know

Ask for an IntroductionOr A Referral

In Mails

The Informational Interview

• Meeting with a person who has hands-on experience

• Success from an informational interview:– Applying for jobs online 1:1,500– Informational interviewing 1:12

• http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html

Search for Companies

• How you are connected• Activity on Linkedin• Overview of company• Jobs they have posted in

LinkedIn• Recent news postings

Search for Groups

• Alumni of former employers and educational institutions

• Other local business professionals

• Relate to the expertise you offer • Assist you in your job search

– Idaho Department of Labor– Idaho Professional Networking Group

Search & Enter A Discussion

Search & Enter a Discussion

• Observe the conversations• Establish your credibility and

knowledge• Pose and answer questions and

comment on discussion items

Answers

• Open to all• Browse by topic or keyword• Pose your own questions

Job Searching Tools

• Some networking sites function for the purpose of job searching– www.theladders.com

Job Searching Tools

Job Search Example

Job Search Example

Netiquette

• Basic rules to communicating online– Do not type in ALL CAPS– Don’t be long winded– Culture, language, and humor may be

different from your own. Be especially careful with sarcasm

– http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

Linkedin’s Learning Center

Concerns & Warnings

• The whole world can see my personal information

• Being inundated with invitations to connect

• Takes too much time• Job seeking scams

• The potential to build your network is exponential

• Other networking opportunities will emerge through online networking

• Your network provides built-in security

More Benefits

It is a Process

• Networking online and building relationships takes time

• You need to put in the effort to get to know people

• Don’t neglect your other job searching tools

Questions & Answers