3 more reasons Linkedin rules the (job search) school.
Yes, me again. Back with some more chest beating related to how important I think Linkedin is to the job search.
I've already touched on the magnificent thing called Groups within Linkedin. So, I am quite certain, you are all by now completely engaged in a number of Groups relevant to your field, your interest areas, the industry you want to break into, etc.
Thus, we won't dwell more on how learning everything you can about Linkedin Groups shall help you exponentially in a strategic job search.
Instead let's talk about three other terrific ways you can start using Linkedin, today, to enhance the odds of landing a really zippy new gig, in a lot less time than your stone-age compadres who refuse to leverage social media for all things job search:
- Get recommended, and get noticed. Have a few colleagues, clients, vendors, or other professional peeps willing to say a few nice things about how amazing you are in the workplace? By all means, politely approach them and ask for a brief recommendation. You don't need 50. Honestly? If you pile on too many all at once, it becomes obvious that you're strong-arming others to do this. But a handful of thoughtful recommendations on Linkedin? Will. Go. Miles.
- Go direct to the hiring manager. Found an amazing job posting that requires you to apply through HR? Well, well. You're free to do this... along with the other 150 people who will flood HR person's inbox with similar offerings. OR, you can take a little peek on Linkedin and see if you can figure out who the hiring manager is for that amazing position. And then contact them directly to express your interest in pursuing. I've said it once, I'll say it again: The one who gets to the hiring manager first? Wins.
- Get the true low-down on opportunities of interest. Here's a really wise idea that not nearly enough job seekers do. If you're going after a particular position with a particular company, use Linkedin to find a person or two working in that group, department, division. Contact them directly to chat about how they like the company, ask for any insight they may be willing to offer on the true needs for that position, etc. Give. yourself. an advantage. They may even help you get right to the hiring manager as well (see above).
Please, please. More Linkedin in your job searches. Pretty please.
Photo courtesy of Smi23le (flickr.com)