How to Get a Job With LinkedIn!

Chances are if you went to college you were told to set up a LinkedIn page; you probably did and never used it, what's the point? First off don't think of it as another Social Network but a Professional Network solely aimed at helping you in your career. A Linked in profile can be the first impressions you give a potential employer so under no circumstances should you have anything unprofessional or potentially detrimental on your profile.

Show yourself
Always upload a picture to your profile, having a picture will automatically make them more likely to remember you and make your profile seem friendlier.
Remember it's not Facebook where you want your profile picture to show how friendly and fun you are!

Don't: Have a group shot of you and your friends, more importantly don't have a picture where your friends are badly cropped out. That arm around your shoulder is bound to attract some attention.
Your picture should just be you, (ideally a headshot), and under no circumstances should there be a drink in your hand. (Think twice of uploading that photo from Halloween last year.)


Don't Sell Yourself Short
Include all your experience the more experience you have the more chance you'll have as appearing as a 3rd Degree connection on some employer's profile. Put down any experience or skills you have, you never know what could be relevant.

Explain How You Did Not What You Did
Many People have the same job and responsibilities but it's how you do it that makes you capable. Show what is unique to you and more importantly reasons to hire you. Write a blurb under each job experience and show what you got out of it, you would be surprised what skills you obtained from your summer jobs.

Get Close to Employers
There are 100's of groups on LinkedIn related to your industry, currently you are allowed to be a member of 50 which is more than enough. Join groups you think are relevant for your job search (particularly ones based in your country). This is good way to get close to profiles that otherwise you would have no connections with. Also follow companies and agencies in your sector, regularly these post jobs which you can apply straight off your LinkedIn profile.

Show you're a Star
On LinkedIn your connections have the ability to recommend you thereby giving you an online reference. Send previous employers/partners/lecturers a request for a recommendation. Make sure to change the standard message when sending a request, people don't want to feel like they're lumped into a group. Be wary of having too many references from friends like college classmates, although you worked with these people a good bit having 5 or 6 recommendations from classmates and friends can look fishy.

Remember:
  • Be sure that all your information is correct and that potential employers will have a current way to contact you.
  • Update your headline and information regularly i.e. 'Culinary Graduate seeking Position'
  • Use all your connections- Your 1st Degree connection could be your link to a VIP for you.
  • Don't let your profile die - regularly update/like/follow/share/comment
Check out http://www.3qrecruitment.ie/home/ for more tips and information on finding your dream job.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_McGarr

No comments :

Post a Comment