If you are serious about landing a job in today's highly competitive and tough economic climate, the only social media site that matters is LinkedIn.
Although coined as a social network, LinkedIn is actually a network for professionals. It is a networking site that allows the job-seeker to seek out and connect with virtually an endless number of contacts. Regardless if you're an entry-level candidate or one who is seeking $95,000 plus - pay attention. According to LinkedIn's corporate site: "As of November 3, 2011, LinkedIn is the world's largest 'professional' network on the Internet with more than 135 million members in over 200 countries and territories."
A strong LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn essentially serves as an electronic resume, allowing you to highlight your past work experience, education, professional skills and achievements. As a member, the more relevant data you include in your LinkedIn profile, the greater your probability of showing up in a potential employer's search results.
Ironically, even if you are not a member of LinkedIn, discerning employers will verify if you have an online presence - which may also include Google. My best advice is to take control of your destiny. If you are currently unemployed and confident that LinkedIn will help connect you to a future job, then you must commit the time to create an engaging profile. Having a strong profile means that employers will be more motivated to contact you.
Corporate popularity is growing
More than 2 million people sign up on LinkedIn each month, and now a decidedly upward trend of hiring managers and recruiters are using LinkedIn to search for job candidates. Unlike other social networks, the majority of LinkedIn members are actually employed professionals.
One reason why companies use LinkedIn with greater frequency is related to internal employee referrals. Referral bonuses from trusted employees are still commonplace and an active source for potential new candidates. The difference today - when a referral is made, employers are inclined to review the referred candidate's LinkedIn site and access more information from their profile to reinforce any decisions. If a potential employer cannot find you, your chances for an interview will substantially diminish.
A reputation engine
LinkedIn is not just a network for job-seekers with virtual resumes (your profile) - it's also an online "reputation" engine. The "Recommendation" feature allows you to solicit recommendations from trusted sources that are posted directly to your LinkedIn page for subsequent viewing by interested parties.
The importance of LinkedIn
The rules are rapidly changing for securing a new job. Resumes are clearly not obsolete and continue to be a vital component of a multifaceted job search strategy. However, job-seekers can no longer rely solely on traditional methods for their search. To be successful, do not underestimate the importance of LinkedIn as a vital networking asset if a new job is your No. 1 priority.
Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes that motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. Contact us for a free copy of our 'Interview Tune-Up Guide'.
info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)
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