Most people seeking jobs dutifully search job boards and other listings, submit a resume for jobs for which they feel they are qualified, and then wait for a response. Most times there is none.
Too Few jobs
The problem is that everyone else is doing the same thing, so that your resume is among a pile of hundreds of others. And given the poor economy, the number of job seekers, and the loss of certain types of jobs altogether, it’s harder than ever to get noticed, even if you’re perfectly fitted to the job and have great credentials.
Five Steps to Successful Job Searches
LinkedIn users have the potential to bypass such barriers and find jobs more reliably and quickly by leashing the power of what LinkedIn offers. Dieter Hertling of Career Search Strategies 2.0, as well as other career consultants stress the importance of making better use of Linkedin in your job search. Here are some ways to do that:
Building Connections
Step 1: Maximize the number of groups you belong to. Even with a simple, free account, you are allowed membership in up to 50 groups. Include a fair number of high profile groups with a high volume of members.
Step 2: Increase the number of your connections as much as possible. The more groups you belong to, the easier this becomes. If you search LinkedIn and find some you would like to connect with, it’s easier to do if you both belong to the same group. Otherwise, you will have fewer options: using their email to invite them (which you may not have), being introduced by another LinkedIn member you are connected to, or checking the “friend” box – which is inappropriate if you don’t know the person, not to mention off putting just when you’re trying to curry favor.
Step 3: To have access to even more networking possibilities, consider upgrading. The first level of upgrade, which costs $24.95 a month, provides services that extend your reach more effectively and fully. But it’s not essential. Building a network through steps 1 and 2 above can afford you access to a significant number of LinkedIn professionals in a given industry.
Applying Directly to the Company
Step 4: When you see a job posted on a listing or job board, don’t apply online. Instead, look to see who’s posted the job. Now is when you can utilize LinkedIn to help. Search the company (or recruiter) advertising the position. Then do a LinkedIn search to find the hiring manager, CEO, and/or other top professionals at the company.
Step 5: Send an email. If the poster is already a first level connection, you can email him or her directly to express your interest in the position, attaching your resume. To increase your chances of a response, you can write to more than one person at the company. If you’re not a first level connection, you may know someone at a second level connection who could introduce you.
The job search today is more challenging than ever, given the poor economy and lack of jobs. But by taking advantage of LinkedIn, job applicants can give themselves an edge. This article recommends five ways of capitalizing on LinkedIn groups and networking instead of applications to job boards. Being smart in the use of LinkedIn is a good way to be at least be “heard.”
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How to Turn a Layoff into an Opportunity
Social-networking Sites and Strategies for Small Businesses
Elizabeth Harrington - Poet, Freelance Writer, Marketing Research Professional, Blogger (www.allaboutqualitative.com)
