LinkedIn continues to shine in the job search arena
➔ No doubt one of the biggest changes in the job search world these days is the emergence and now, arguably, the dominance of LinkedIn.
Originally thought of as an online Rolodex, LinkedIn has grown into so much more. For starters, 90-95 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn daily to find talent and to help fill positions. Job seekers can post their resumes and apply for jobs directly through LinkedIn. LinkedIn is also the go-to source for personal referrals.
But wait. There’s more.
Here are a few uses for LinkedIn that you may not have thought of.
If you’re trying to establish a contact within a target company, check to see how many connections that individual has. If it’s a low number, they’re not using LinkedIn and they may not be the best person to approach. Active LinkedIn users will have hundreds (if not more) of connections and might be open to accepting you as a connection as well.
When making a connection, virtually all LinkedIn experts recommend using a personal connection invite. Not only does that make your request to connect more personal, it also makes it more memorable. An additional note: it may not be best to request a personal connection with someone over your phone.
And when you’re making those connections, you may not want to link up with HR people. They’re likely to bombarded with requests. Remember: you want to make an impression so that you’ll be remembered. Rather than HR, target someone in the department where you could possibly work. You probably have more in common with them and your connection will more likely be mutually beneficial.
While it’s not an online Rolodex, LinkedIn has become one of the most effective ways to communicate during a job search. Recruiters. HR personnel. Hiring managers, and a whole lot more are using it as a primary communications tool. It’s a way to stay in touch with any number of key individuals in your job search effort.
Comments